I went through the same questions just earlier this year and ended up with the D3200 just before Valentine's day. Talked to stick and a couple other camera guys. All of them said the same thing, for a beginner it's great. Spend money on lenses (good lenses).
The kit lenses that came with the D3200 (I got the 15-55 & 55-200) have served me well so far. I keep dumping money on gun stuff so no funds to buy lenses right now (though I am dying for a 35mm prime).
It takes GREAT shots. Step out of the presets and get into the Manual setting for some fun learning.
My flickr page has some examples (most have some post processing done on them for various reasons).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/83018433@N04/
(Anything older than my "Mom and New Baby" pic were taken with my phone, so don't judge those! LOL)