I personally don't care for AWD unless it has about 350+hp. But, you are right about the style. The X-Type looks like a $50k car and some of the competition doesn't. I replaced my SVT in December and the Jag dealer wouldn't give me the time of day (also 25). Did all the research, test drove the cars, ended up with an IS. For the money, it fits me the best. You can pick one up for under $30k with the stick and all options (save NAV). I love my car. It doesn't look as luxurious as some of its competition, but one test drive is all it took for me. Pure fun with a some luxury features. I had it and the SVT for a couple months and the quality is worlds apart.
Before you buy, go look at the Infinity G35. Automatic for now, but 6-speed coming. If you like everything else about the car, the stick will be worth waiting for. And I already have two rotaries so the RX-8 intrigues me as well, but gotta wait until Jan 03 for that one. Caddy CTS might be worth looking at, but I don't like the interior. If you can do 2-doors, the Acura CL-S is nice, but still FWD.
