mosesbotbol

For new
Does the current Accord or ILX come in a manual? I'd also consider any base model BMW that comes in a manual.

CosmosMpower

Have you driven a 320i with a stick? It's pretty slow...like Subaru BRZ slow.

Mr.E.G.

The Cadillac ATS V6 (the four cylinder sucks) is relatively light, all things considered. I think it's in the 3,400 lbs range, which is pretty light for a car of that size and power

vader1

I have a 328i. I like it, it is a nice car and you probably can lease one in your price range. It is not about outright speed but it is entertaining and does pretty well on gas if you want it to. I prefer a manual but since this is my winter car with lots of snow drving in bumper to bumnper it is the 8 speed. I still have the S for my clutch driving fun ,but I really don't miss it in the Bimmer. I skipped the MSPort package because I got xdrive, and that would negate most of the MSPORT goodies except for the steering wheel and front airdam. They are reasonably quick around town, and there are a couple cheap aftermarket adons for about another 30hp and even more torque.

I would recommend it, but a Golf GTI would be a decent choice too. I sounds like you don't want to have a run of the mill car, but a Mazda 3 with a stick is a pretty fun car too. Not about outright speed either, but a enjoyable, and my wife's has pretty much everything I have on my bimmer except for heads up display (which I think you can get a kind of crappy one). The car is small and under the radar but they are good driving cars. I also like the current Mazda 6 with a stick, but it aint fast either.

But if what you want is "panache" or "street cred" your lease payment will reflect it.

colnagotifosi

Pick up a clean Volvo S60R or V70R wagon (for real practicality) for total Q-Ship status.
They can be had cheap, sure they'll cost you high maintenance if you get big miles on them but what a great combination of speed, handling, AWD, safety, comfort, style, and very subtle!
Oh yeah, and they can tow 3000+ pounds when you need to as well!

Mr.E.G.

Does an RX-8 count?

I swear, one of these days I'm going to buy one and do an engine swap to have the perfect daily driver with back seats.

Maze2k

Replying to the above posts:

@CMK - Not big on hatches in general but that Focus ST... . The Jetta GLI has potential. 3,124 lbs is nice but with only 210 hp?

@colnagotifosi - A wolf in sheep's clothing, huh? 300hp is good but it's heavy at 3700 lbs.

@Mr.E.G. - True. The only reason I haven't picked up an RX-8 is because of its engine. I will look at the Cadillac ATS 3.6L version. Motor trend compared it to a 350Z/G35 in P:W ratio.

mosesbotbol

On that note, a SAAB should be considered too. Both are popular in where I live (Boston). SAAB's are popular with a manual and are quite confident on the highway. I've been 150+ mph in them without issue.

duffman13

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.
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I hate to burst your bubble, but we just bought a new SUV for the wife - $31k financed at 2% over 60 months is costing me in the mid-5s monthly. $3-400 is a car in the low $20s.

Leasing at that price point you could get into a stripper lease special 320i, maybe a 328i, A3, or ATS 2.0T, but your price range needs to go up about $200 a month if you want something newish.

I'd look for the best used G37 you can find - their value drops to $20k pretty darn fast given their original purchase price, most have a good deal of the option boxes already checked, 300+hp V6 that likes to rev, and available AWD and manual so you can find what you want. Plus they share a significant amount of mechanical bits with the Nissan parts bin, so they're reliable and relatively cheap to maintain.

duffman13

Yeah, but the engine is basically a de-tuned 328i mill, 99% of the part numbers including the turbo are identical. Just flash that bitch, and bach to stock when you turn the lease in.