Used 2012 BMW 3 Series 328i Sport Wagon 4D

If you regard driving as both an "act" and an "art," you’ll enjoy the 3 Series. After 35 years, BMW’s volume model remains the defining example when consumers reference a "sport sedan." That is, a nimble, responsive chassis embodying most of the attributes of a Grand Tourer, but clothed in more upright, practical bodywork. Whether you opt for the 2-door Coupe, 4-door sedan or M3 Convertible, the 3 Series execution remains faithful to the 1975 concept. Of course, when looking at the M3, it’s the 1975 concept on drugs.

As good as the 3 Series is, it’s not for everyone. With rear-wheel drive, the handling on dry pavement is more balanced, but less secure when roads are wet, icy or snow-covered. And that same commitment to rear-wheel drive intrudes on interior room; most competitive sedans and wagons in the price segment opt for front- or all-wheel drive to better balance on-road dynamics with passenger accommodation. Finally, if you hold onto a car longer than the finance period – or warranty period – you’ll find "German" typically more maintenance-intensive than Japanese or domestic alternatives.