In same situation, have one child (11 mnths) and need to get a new car mainly for seperate AC in the rear. In terms of ferrying one child around I agree it seems impractical to buy a large SUV but I am more concerned with safety and here the bigger the better to at least put off the mad landcruisers flying around.

We are looking at all the normal cars , Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota.

Mitsubishi didnt have the Pajero type we wanted and seemed more interested in trying to sell off the managers older second hand car either that or the top of range car that cost far more.

Toyota couldnt be bothered talking to me in show room after trying to speak to some one for 15 mins so I walked out.

Nissan were ok and only had to wait 10 mins to get spoken to. Have just read in paper as well they have new deals on all there SUV's so may go back down and see if the price is improved.

Have also just test driven new 2007 Durango and very impressed , big car feels vary safe and has side air bags and rear AC control etc. Thought i would stick with the tried and tested Japanese cars but salesman was good, powerful engine and was impressive on safety. Quite like the looks as well a lot better than previous models.

Jeep are in same showroom as Dodge as basically Daimler Chrysler own both the Dodge and Jeep makes. The Jeep Cherokee does not have AC in the rear (I think) so you would have to move up in size to the Grand Cherokee or Commander. These are quite a bit more expensive than the Durango