Volvo S40
We all like to have fun, in some form or another, but we all have to give in to our practical side on occasion. Hey, I'd like to have a Ferrari, but practicalities – not the least of which is my budget – tell me to shop elsewhere.
Likewise, maybe you love the feel of crisp steering, a healthy engine under the hood and flat cornering. However, bringing home a sexy sports car isn't going to cut it when you need a car for commuting to work or a vehicle that is good on gas or one that has room for your partner and perhaps even that little one who's still in diapers. Unfortunately, real life creeps in to our desires.
But don't give up on your dreams, my friend. Mick Jagger was wrong; sometimes you can get what you want AND what you need: a fun-to-drive, four-door car that is also refined and practical for everyday life. So let's look at a handful of compact sport sedans and, since you have a bit of money to play with, something under $15,000.
Sensible
Starting on the smaller side, Acura offered the CSX only to the Canadian market before it was replaced by the ILX in 2012. Basically, it's a Honda Civic with nicer options, so while you will get that famous Honda reliability and a fun car to drive with 155hp, you're not going to get anything special when it comes to excitement.
Volvo isn't normally associated with dynamic driving, but the S40 was a break from its staid reputation. You can find these up to around 2012, but look specifically for the T5 model, with a 218hp, turbocharged five-cylinder engine. The car has great handling and a composed ride, but it did suffer from a varied list of recalls that include a wrongly manufactured front seat, a cracking engine support member, a rupturing power steering hose and a loose manual gear shifter.
Again, Lexus isn't a nameplate you'd think of as exciting; luxury, sure, but thrilling? That changed a bit with the IS cars; you may be able to find a 306-hp IS 350, but more likely you'll find the 204-hp IS 250 up to 2009 for these prices, which also may have all-wheel drive depending on the options. Both are very capable and spirited sedans, though their rear seats are cramped, and while they offer that typical Japanese reliability, they curiously also come with recalls that include unexpected engine stalls, wonky windshield wipers, fuel leaks and, of course, that Toyota "stuck accelerator pedal" issue. While they offer the luxury and cabin silence so associated with Lexus, their handling is to be described as "almost 3 Series like"; which brings us to ...
Indispensable
Of course, you can't mention compact sport sedans without mentioning the BMW 3 Series. The German brand practically invented the segment when the 3 debuted with four doors in 1983, and since then the rear-driver has been among the best in the world for luxurious, spirited driving. You can find them up to around 2009 for this price, and bonus if you can find the 300-hp 335i xDrive (with all-wheel drive), though even the 230-hp 328i will be a hoot. Just remember, reliability isn't the German's strong suit, and it also comes with a few recalls that include the air bags and a batter cable connection. But overall, you have the complete package of sport, luxury and an everyday driver.
Questionable
Admittedly, this might be a bit older than what you're looking for, which is good because you'll be less likely to think about buying it. Cadillac dipped its toe into the compact sport segment in the mid-1980s with the Cimarron, which was basically a Chevrolet Celebrity with a different grille and badging. It was laughed at by critics at the time and is consistently included on today's worst-car lists of all time. It was so bad it nearly buried the storied nameplate, and thankfully Cadillac seems to have learned from this debacle.
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