$10k sports sedan...

I'm looking at picking up a sedan with manual transmission for street duty, but would still be fun to take to an occasional track/autocross day.

Ideally, I'd like to buy something for $6-8k and spend $2-3k in upgrades/fixes because I know these vehicles are going to be older and probably need a little love.

Wants:
- 4 doors or at least comfortable for 2 adults and 2 kids (I think we'll drive it more if 4 door)
- manual transmission (non-negotiable) 
- fun, good handling chassis
- want to keep the car fairly stock'ish (wheels, tires, shocks, maybe light springs, brake pads)
- 20+ mpg a plus
- non-premium fuel would be nice, but not required
- quick enough on track to not be a road block like my old NA Miata in the instructor group at VIR...

Here's my running list...

BMW E46 330i
BMW E90 325-330i
Subaru WRX
Acura TSX
VW GTI
Audi A4
Civic Si
S197 Mustang GT (coupe, I know)
8th Gen Civic Si

WHAT ELSE?! Any advice is appreciated.

SI, either generation. Drive it more, fix it less. 

In reply to Floating Doc (Forum Supporter) :

Great motto. I would add in G35/G37. 

Mustang or a Civic

I know you said sedan, but I've noticed the price of Fiesta STs has really been dropping. For your budget I suspect you could get one that doesn't need anything, other than better pads and maybe better tires. It would likely be newer than the other options you've listed.

I really like mine, it's really fun, has a good sensation of speed, practical and economical. It only gives up a few hp when running 87 octane. Parts are readily available from other models (engine is is same as the escape) or regular fiestas. 

2nd Gen Mazda 3 or Mazda Speed 3

It's been a while since I was in an S197, but from memory I wouldn't call them full time four seaters. 

I wouldn't expect the rear seats in a S197 to be used for anything other than children of single digit ages.

I'll also help your list by suggesting no German cars. And that's from a guy who used to be exclusively European cars.  Just not worth the endless headaches.

Another vote for Mazdas. They are so overlooked.

RWD: E90

AWD: E90

FWD: Civic si

I'll vote E90.  My 328xi 6spd (AWD inoperable) has a comfy back seat, gets 30mpg highway/26 suburban, has 292k on the original unopened motor and transmission, still sees occasional track duty.

If you go e90 get a 330i. 

In reply to dpspeed :

Your final words were: 
WHAT ELSE?! Any advice is appreciated.

I see that Mustang is on your list but Camaro is not.  The Mustang never offered a 4 door but the Camaro kinda did...

Cadillac ATS is a small sedan (and coupe) that is a chassis-mate to the final generation of Camaro.  Rear drive, 2.0L turbo that could be had with a 6 speed manual.  www.fueleconomy.gov say it was rated for 19/23/29 but does say it only calls for 87 octane!  
Think of it as Cadillac builds a BMW 3-series competitor.  If you're a long legged driver the rear seat may still be cramped for adults...maybe.  

A sample in Georgia:  '14 w/83k asking $11k

The Cadillac is definitely worth considering 

GLI or Legacy GT? Maybe you can find a Lancer GT or GTS (same thing)

OHSCrifle said:

If you go e90 get a 330i. 

328i + 3-stage DISA intake manifold & tune= 330i 

I agree that the 330i is a bit of an easier place to start due to not having to swap the manifold, but it's a pretty easy swap and limiting the OP to only the 330i means he can only shop for a 2006 model year, which really limits his options. Much easier to find a 328i and just swap in the manifold + tune. 

I think the previous posts have pretty much covered it. If you go E90, buy one from someone who cared for the car. This is of course true for every car, but seems especially true for BMWs. 
 

Id prefer a Civic Si for this use case, but good luck finding a nice one with low miles that isn't trashed. I never see them without a billion miles, a bunch of terrible mods, and a clean title. For that reason, the Mazda 3 would be my pick, but I get they're not as sexy or fast as that ATS or a E90. But you could save the money for mods.
 

Man, I really wanted a manual ATS, but i ended up with the E92 because the PO was a close friend who is meticulous on maintenance.