wifes DD recommendations

[fivepointnine]

so our Saab 9-3 is getting a little long in the tooth so we are looking to replace it this summer with a nice car for her to drive, take road trips, etc...we already have a BMW X3 for heavy hauling. My price range I am looking at is about 12k give or take. I was looking at newer Saab 9-3 sedans, Merc C230's, E36 M3's (hard to find with low mileage) older G35's....what am I missing or should be looking at? I really want something that will be relatively easy on maintenance and comfortable on long trips. must have back seats as we have a 9 year old.