This probably varies a lot per region, here in Europe BMWs are a pretty affordable when compared to other real wheel drive cars. As I said in another comment i

This probably varies a lot per region, here in Europe BMWs are a pretty affordable when compared to other real wheel drive cars. As I said in another comment imported American cars aren't a good deal in Europe. Japanese are a good deal too, but there aren't really many options that are sporty AND practical.