Maze2k

There's nothing quite like having a sports car to drive everyday. But I inevitably need something more practical(though it would be great to keep the S too). The three requirements are that it's a sedan, with a manual gearbox, and something that makes it stand out from ordinary cars. I thought about power vs weight and decided to go with a smaller engine in a lighter chassis vs the other way around. So far I've been looking at 2 cars, both new. An F30 328i with MSport package and Lancer Evolution X (manual ver). I do like the Audis but they're usually paddle shift-driven. I had a 350z before so I was looking at the Infinitis, but the sedans don't interest me and the coupe didn't look like it had a good backseat so I started focusing on sedans mainly. I'm looking for opinions and other recommendations. Can be used or new. Thanks!

UPDATE -

Eligible cars:

Honda Civic Si Sedan - 3011 lbs - 205 hp
Mazda RX-8 - 3027 lbs - 238 hp
Volkswagen Golf GTI Sedan- 3031 lbs - 220 hp
Volkswagen Jetta GLI - 3124 lbs - 210 hp
1996-1999 BMW M3 sedan - 3175 lbs - 240 hp
Ford Focus ST - 3223 lbs - 252 hp
Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 - 3281 lbs - 263 hp
Subaru WRX STI - 3267 lbs - 305 hp
Cadillac ATS 3.6 Sedan - 3373 lbs - 321 hp
BMW 328i Sedan - 3480 lbs - 240 hp (under-rated)
Mitsubishi Evolution GSR - 3527 lbs - 291 hp
BMW 335i Sedan - 3595 lbs - 335 hp

Undecided:
Jaguar XE Sedan - 3250 lbs - waiting til release

Cars that were under 200hp or over 3600 lbs were eliminated.
2008-2010 M3 sedan would have stayed, but is currently over the newcar budget in used market!

diegoaccord

There's really only 2-3 choices.

BMW.

Mitsubishi.

Subaru

If you dont care about 5 door look:

Mazdaspeed 3

Subaru

Focus

Kenny_Stang

There's also the Cadillac ATS sedan with the 272hp turbo 4, you can option it with the 6 speed manual. From reviews it seems to be every bit as good as the BMW 3-series. Also Jaguar just came out with the XE, while initially it is only offered in an auto, they will be adding a manual option later.

mosesbotbol

What is your price range. How old of a car would you do?

Billj747

+1 Parameters?

I'm in the same boat as you. While I have a couple 'toys', my DD is an E90 M3 sedan; almost got a C63 AMG but finding one with an LSD was a little more difficult and I love bimmers.

Here are some favorites off the top of my head:

E90 M3
C63 AMG
CTS-V
ATS-V
G8 GT
Mazdaspeed 3
Focus ST
Focus RS (I really want to drive)
Civic Si
335i (no LSD is a negative)
328i (had as rental, good car, but not sporty enough)
Evo-X (GREAT car, but AWD).

CosmosMpower

I don't think light sedans exist anymore. I define light meaning 3,000 +/- pounds or less. Closest is the Civic SI I believe but it's way down on power and FWD. Gotta go back to the 90's for stuff like the E36 M3 then swap a S54 or LS3

CMK

This is what you want:



If you aren't married to the idea of having a trunk, this is what you want:

Maze2k

Something between 300 to 400 a month if new, so preferably $30,000-$40,000. If used, i'd pay much less (~$25,000) because what I really want out of the deal is the lower down payments and warranty. Thanks for the replies so far.

EDIT - no minimum, so yeah not just luxury sedans.

CosmosMpower

Assuming nothing down 300-400 a month is not a 35K-40K car that is more like 650-700 a month.

Maze2k

4-5k down payment. Possible to lease.

I wish I could afford an ATS-V. I sat in one at the NYC Auto Show. One of the PR guys said it was 63 grand.