2005 BMW 5-Series

The sleek, supple BMW 530i is beautiful to behold, thrilling to drive, and imperial for its passengers.

While this beautiful, classic European touring sedan is expensive -- and thus not for everybody -- it can be purchased as a certified pre-owned for 40% off list prices from three years prior and bought used in the private party market for 50% or more off when the vehicle is four years old.

As a driver, the BMW 530i simply never disaapoints: the acceleration, the handling, and the brakes -- oh! the brakes! -- are all simply perfect. The engine is masterful -- it just does everything and never disappoints.

As a passenger, one simply feels like royalty being carried about town. With supple, sumptious Corinthian leather seats that feature three-level heat control, massage features, and four-way fully electronic movement.

The big back seat actual makes it a great family car with ample seating for three school age children, three kid's car seats, or two full-sized adults. The car has five seat belts.

The huge trunk will store four golf bags for Dad and his friends, more groceries than you can eat in a week, or four large suitcases for a cross-country trip.

As for maintenance, it is simply an afterthought. The on-board computer tells you when all maintenance is needed and dynamically adjusts the maintenance schedule based on your actual driving patters.

Highway mileage is a respectable 27 miles per gallon, while in the city expect a more miserly 18 miles per gallon.

While from a distance this vehicle looks like a respectable middle-aged persons sedan, beneath the hood beats the heart of a cheetah. This is a sports car in a sedan's body, with a muscular 3.0L 230-horsepower in-line 6-cylinder engine.

Recently while on a cross country family trip, an aggressive driver sporting an American muscle car shimmied up beside me. With a gentle tap on the accelerator, I quickly dusted the provincial hillbilly and he receded into my rear view mirror. Clearly, he was stunned that a middle aged man in a staid sedan could obliterate his ride.

The BMW 530i is the practical, family sedan that drives like a race car.