Why aren't there more performance,
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,575
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From: Montana
I'm a fan of that car, but it weighs over 4,000lbs which is too heavy. And good luck finding a manual GXP model...didn't they only make less than 1,000 of those?
I've thought about this the same as the OP and it is frustrating. If you want a fun mid-sized RWD sedan to drive at an affordable price NOTHING exists on the brand new market. CPO is the only option and even then you won't find a car that weighs less than 3500lbs (which is porky IMO).
If you're open to AWD I don't see what bothers you so much about the Evo. The X's styling is subdued enough in my opinion, and I believe the rear spoiler is optional to make it even less so.
I've thought about this the same as the OP and it is frustrating. If you want a fun mid-sized RWD sedan to drive at an affordable price NOTHING exists on the brand new market. CPO is the only option and even then you won't find a car that weighs less than 3500lbs (which is porky IMO).
If you're open to AWD I don't see what bothers you so much about the Evo. The X's styling is subdued enough in my opinion, and I believe the rear spoiler is optional to make it even less so.
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Joined: Aug 2010
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If you like the WRX how about an '09 or '10 (pre flared fenders)? They are pretty tame looking. I have an 11 (with flared fenders) and I'm 31. Personally I don't feel like a boy racer. If other people think I am and they judge me...it's cool. I've got a house and a job and a wife, etc... So I feel all grown up 
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,129
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From: Philly
If I could have my say with a car company, I would ask for:
-mid-size body, with maybe a few subtle performance aesthetics
-a turbocharged 4cyl with 260-300 hp, a high-strung 6 cylinder, or a turbocharged inline or v6
-an AWD or RWD drivetrain. both drivetrains have their pros and cons but I would be satisfied with either
-a suspension that has a good balance between comfort and performance for everyday driving
-an interior that looks like some effort was made during the design process
-$28-40k pricing
-moderately reliable
-mid-size body, with maybe a few subtle performance aesthetics
-a turbocharged 4cyl with 260-300 hp, a high-strung 6 cylinder, or a turbocharged inline or v6
-an AWD or RWD drivetrain. both drivetrains have their pros and cons but I would be satisfied with either
-a suspension that has a good balance between comfort and performance for everyday driving
-an interior that looks like some effort was made during the design process
-$28-40k pricing
-moderately reliable
Andrew
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 5,387
Likes: 0
From: Palo Alto
I was in a similar position you were in (except I was looking to spend no more than $30k and only used), and opted to purchase an s2k.. 
The "sport sedan" segement is full of compromises and things I didn't like, so I opted to just buy an s2k a cpl years back. The closest thing that fit the bill was a used 3 series w/ sport package. One big gripe I had about the 3 series is the lack of a compartment for a spare tire, and the IS series doesn't have rear fold down seats. Also, only the is250 RWD comes in manual, the 250AWD and 350 are auto only.. It really came down to the IS and 3 series for me, but they were large enough annoyances that I opted to just get an s2k and keep my civic for the winter and occasional driving. I find the "sport sedan" market severely lacking, for the same reasons you mentioned.
I didn't even consider anything FWD, so that crossed out the TL right off the bat. A powerful v6 + FWD = boring imo. I'm past the "boy racer" stage of getting a WRX or EVO, and wanted something a little more tame, but still fun. At this point I think I'm just going to embrace the fact that I'm going to be stuck with an auto for my next sedan.. Perhaps I'll replace the civic with a nice C class in a couple years, and the s2k will satisfy my itch.
Good luck!
The "sport sedan" segement is full of compromises and things I didn't like, so I opted to just buy an s2k a cpl years back. The closest thing that fit the bill was a used 3 series w/ sport package. One big gripe I had about the 3 series is the lack of a compartment for a spare tire, and the IS series doesn't have rear fold down seats. Also, only the is250 RWD comes in manual, the 250AWD and 350 are auto only.. It really came down to the IS and 3 series for me, but they were large enough annoyances that I opted to just get an s2k and keep my civic for the winter and occasional driving. I find the "sport sedan" market severely lacking, for the same reasons you mentioned.
I didn't even consider anything FWD, so that crossed out the TL right off the bat. A powerful v6 + FWD = boring imo. I'm past the "boy racer" stage of getting a WRX or EVO, and wanted something a little more tame, but still fun. At this point I think I'm just going to embrace the fact that I'm going to be stuck with an auto for my next sedan.. Perhaps I'll replace the civic with a nice C class in a couple years, and the s2k will satisfy my itch.
Good luck!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,575
Likes: 332
From: Montana
Originally Posted by kenstyle' timestamp='1340082491' post='21792914
If I could have my say with a car company, I would ask for:
-mid-size body, with maybe a few subtle performance aesthetics
-a turbocharged 4cyl with 260-300 hp, a high-strung 6 cylinder, or a turbocharged inline or v6
-an AWD or RWD drivetrain. both drivetrains have their pros and cons but I would be satisfied with either
-a suspension that has a good balance between comfort and performance for everyday driving
-an interior that looks like some effort was made during the design process
-$28-40k pricing
-moderately reliable
Andrew
You know that thing weighs well over 4,000 lbs yes? And that it's a full sized sedan?
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,045
Likes: 45
From: Las Vegas