[Finnegan]

What size dog(s)? That makes a difference!

No matter what, with either kids/dogs I'd look into some kind of seat protection and makes clean-up easier. Kurgo makes things that fall into this category, but I'm not sure whether they fit the Sedan class as much as the SUV class of vehicle. Kurgo also makes as well as gear to secure the dogs (similar to kid car seats, essential for your, kids, and dogs safety). You don't want a dog flying around in the car in case the unthinkable happens.

To your list I'd add the E90 M3. You could find a nice used one, 4 door, well equipped and CPO for a lot less than your max price. Also consider too the E90 335D. New or used, 4 door, gobs of torque (265 HP, 425 ft lbs tq). Will get 2 to 2.5x MPG of the M3. And it's one of the new breed of diesels, no stink, no smoke.