Good sentiment, and I agree to a point, but I personally believe that to some extent the "sport" in a car can be "between the ears" so to speak. Now, I'm biased, and I mostly prefer (and drive) manuals... but what about the proposition that sure, having superior power is nice... particularly on a two-lane/overtaking situation (you can NEVER have too much, then) - but the rest of the time, probably you're driving "assertively" and not a lot more. At that point in time, to me, it's a smooth shifting transmission, a low-resonances engine, superior steering, good visibility, and relative drive comfort that makes the car a pleasure. Now, re the Scion TC, you also have a hatchback (room + utility) and you have Toyota reliability. I think you've got a great car!My current car is a Scion Tc, I needed a car on somewhat short notice, but the one provision I left myself is it has to be manual. Its unspectacular on paper and not fast but its much more fun to drive than I anticipated. My only regret with my current car is I didnt get a full out RWD sports oriented car(EDIT: with a manual transmission of course!). I thought it'd be too impractical/stupid to to get something like a 86/BRZ/3xxZ as a daily, but I realized I never lug around much crap(even with a construction adjacent job) and Ive driven plenty of RWD cars through the winter in the past with no issue. I really do like my current car, but in hindsight I compromised my own fulfillment because I was really just considering the generally agreed upon definition of vehicle practicality instead of my own.
So, get the car you REALLY want when the time comes! Dont think about what the general conventions on practicality or reasonableness are, get something based on your own criteria.
I completely understand that for 99% of people a car is just an appliance and comfort and space is top priority. But if you love cars, life is too short to be driving stuff you dont really like, whatever that may be.