I'm loving all the feedback, thanks Kerrie in particular, you've given me more food for thought. We'll probably be leasing for 4-5 years - will have to work out the figures. I hear you on what you say about trade in/resale price on the Kia. My g/f who's onto her 2nd only got about $13K for their trade in on their second. Not much really.
We're half way between two Ssangyong dealers - Bundoora and Frankston, but would probably go to Bundoora cause we can drop the kids at Mum's which is 10 mins away and look/test drive without them.
DH isnt' so fussed about which one we get. I'm primarily the car driver in this family - he's had a motorbike for 25yrs and has only had a car (ute) within the last 3-4yrs. I love driving and I WANT a vehicle with enough guts and response to do what I want it to.
I think we've just got to make the time to have a look at all of them, and as you said Kerrie, make up our own minds.
FJ, I don't think we'd have any problems with power on steep climbs/driveways. I don't know when we'd be in that situation, but good food for thought all the same.
Keep it coming girls, I'm loving it!