I think you'd be surprised what can fit in a smaller car if it is just one kid. We've done ski trips in a 4 door hatchback with a toddler, infant and 2 black labs. If we can get all that gear (car seats, pack n play, ski stuff, dogs) in a Volvo wagon, I think 1 or 2 adults and an infant can make it work in a 2 door until there is enough money to pay cash for a car and not have to go into more debt. If you are the types to take a lot of road trips, then maybe you need to invest a couple hundred bucks into a luggage box for the roof of your car but this whole idea that a 4 door is required once you have a kid is poppycock. As I wrote this, I'm looking across the street at my neighbor's driveway which has a Subaru Forester. They have 3 elementary aged kids and make it work in that little thing.