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I need some car buying help:
 I want to get a coupe or 4-door entry level luxury car for around $35,000 - something sporty but powerful looking.  The problem is, too many people I know drive Infiniti G35's, Lexus IS series, BMX 3 series, and Saab 9-3's - I want something different (Also, I am not interested in Mercede's, Audi's, or Ford Mustang's - I have my reasons).  I guess I would consider Acura TL's, but I was hoping for something more original than that.

 I hope I haven't eliminated ever possible option out there, and that someone has a decent suggestion.  I know this sounds bad, but looks, confort, handling, and ease of driving are more important than just raw horse power in this case (I doubt I'll be drag racing this thing - anything over 200 hp will keep me happy).

Please let me know if anyone has any original ideas in this regard.  

you basically just took all the main coupes out of play right there....  

nissan z  

As another poster mentioned, you've eliminated many of the top options available in that catergory.  There's a reason why G35s and BMW 3 series are so popular--they're excellent.  

But there are other options.  Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, it seems like the only other options are somewhat rarified or specialty cars from manufacturers that don't carry the "premium" status of BMW, infinity/etc.

Here's a list of cars that I would consider if I were in your shoes and didn't want everyone else's BMW 330i.  

-VW Jetta GLI/GTI.  If you like Hatchbacks, it's the GTI, and if you like sedans, it's the Jetta GLI.  They're the same car, and offer a 200HP I4 turbo engine that's quite a bit more punchy-feeling than the numbers suggest.  They come in at around $25K, but can easily be equipped to over $30K with the goodies that would push a BMW well over $40K.  Is a VW premium?  Well, it depends on your perspective.  A VW Jetta/GTI/Rabbit shares the same bones as an Audi A3 and TT, and in VW GTI/GLI trim, is just as swift/spirited as the Audi counterparts.  And VW's interiors, especially when loaded to the gills with extras, are just as luxurious and stylish as anything else within $10K.  You might not get nods of approval from country-club folk, but you'll know better than them anyway, and probably blow them away on a track.  

-Acura TSX. You'll struggle to even reach $35K, but the money you'll save over a TL doesn't mean less fun.  The TSX is leaner, more agile, and with the 6speed stick, arguably more fun.  It's 205HP 2.4L 4Cyl engine isn't as torquey as the VW turbo, but revs hard, revs high, and sounds great.  And it's VERY well equipped, with the best (in my opinion) GPS navigation system in the business.  

-Subaru Legacy GT/GT spec-B.  It might be "just" a subaru, but it's also a properly engineered AWD sports sedan with a punchy 243HP turbo 2.5L engine. the GT is well equiped at $29K, and the Spec B adds a bit of suspension tuning, some bells/whistles, and GPS for $33K.  I wouldn't even mention this car if it weren't for the fact that every time I sit in one/drive one, I'm thoroughly impressed by its classy styling, "cockpit-feel" interior, and deliciously fun power and handling.  It's not perfect, especially reaching the $35K mark, but it's rare and really, really darn good.  

-Mazdaspeed6.  Very much in the same category as the Subaru, the Speed6 is a quick AWD sport sedan with 270HP (from a 2.3L turbo four).  It's a bit harder and better handling, and also more powerful.  In "Grand touring" trim and with GPS and with a sunroof, it's about $33K.  Like the subaru, it doesn't sport a premium nameplate, but it's fast, stylish, rare, and adequately luxurious with all the options.  A quick look at the website to confirm pricing reminded me of how badly the photos make the car look.  In person, I find it to be far better looking, with carefully sculpted lines and details, and a slick interior.  

That concludes my list of likely suspects.  

But if maximum performance and boy-racer style are your thing, consider the Mitsubishi Evo and Subaru STi.  Both, in their current form, are massively fast, brutally hard-core, and among the best handling cars available at any price.  And if you can wait for a few months, both are due to be replaced by completely redesigned models.  Actually, I take that back.  The EVO should be out soon, but Subaru will only offer the new WRX in the next few months.  Still, a WRX offers similar speed and performance as everything else in the price cagegory, plus much more nimble handling.  Just don't expect the level of refinement and luxury you'll get in a Subaru GT or similar.  

Try the Acura TL Type-S with the six speed manual transmission. I have a TL, it is an unparalleled interstate cruiser, pulls hard from low revs and has a quality interior (with every toy imaginable) for a low sticker price. (around 32,000 with tons of good lease deals around now.)  

Some other cars that you can consider are: the new cadillac cts and audi a4.