Wrx/Sti as daily driver?
I drove my WRX from Charleston, SC to Seattle, WA and it wasn't too bad, however I don't recommend using it for road trips. It isn't very comfortable compared to most other sedans.
yes and yes. 2002 WRX wagon 65,000 miles. Currently driving 170 freeway miles a day in it. Longest trip with just gas stops ~450 miles. Longest weekend trip ~1500 miles over freeway, country roads, land and gravel forest roads.
It's not the best freeway cruiser if that's what you want. You have to sit in the seat right for it to be comfortable for long periods. The one big criticism I have of the wagon is that the rear view has lots blind spots and the rear view mirrors don't really do the job. This can be a bit frustrating when manouvering in traffic.
Gas mileage is not stellar (figure around 20) and premium gas is required plus you'll want performance tires which wear out fast. So its not the cheapest to run which is a factor when you are topping up the gas tank every day like I am.
The wagon is a practical family car ( it only lacks a trunk
) though perhaps a bit small for the SUV crazed american style family. I have two early teens and apart from killing each other they suffer in the back without complaint. To address the space issue for long trips you can add a trunk by putting a pod on the roof. Interior storage is somewhat lacking tho.
That said it's always fun to drive and I always seek out opportunies to take the road less travelled where it is a blast. The suspension is sporty (ie fairly stiff) but build for twisty and rough roads. It's really smooth on gravel which is a total blast.
The sti is more an enthusiast's car - its a fine piece of machinery but probably not justified unless you are planning to take it to the track or you are an enthusiast and have just got to have it. It's stiffer and gets even worse gas mileage. Much more the racing machine. If I had the money and they made a wagon I'd probably buy one but the WRX is really quite sufficient - a good compromise between a fun sporty car and a reliable practical car for not too much cash.
It's not the best freeway cruiser if that's what you want. You have to sit in the seat right for it to be comfortable for long periods. The one big criticism I have of the wagon is that the rear view has lots blind spots and the rear view mirrors don't really do the job. This can be a bit frustrating when manouvering in traffic.
Gas mileage is not stellar (figure around 20) and premium gas is required plus you'll want performance tires which wear out fast. So its not the cheapest to run which is a factor when you are topping up the gas tank every day like I am.
The wagon is a practical family car ( it only lacks a trunk
) though perhaps a bit small for the SUV crazed american style family. I have two early teens and apart from killing each other they suffer in the back without complaint. To address the space issue for long trips you can add a trunk by putting a pod on the roof. Interior storage is somewhat lacking tho. That said it's always fun to drive and I always seek out opportunies to take the road less travelled where it is a blast. The suspension is sporty (ie fairly stiff) but build for twisty and rough roads. It's really smooth on gravel which is a total blast.
The sti is more an enthusiast's car - its a fine piece of machinery but probably not justified unless you are planning to take it to the track or you are an enthusiast and have just got to have it. It's stiffer and gets even worse gas mileage. Much more the racing machine. If I had the money and they made a wagon I'd probably buy one but the WRX is really quite sufficient - a good compromise between a fun sporty car and a reliable practical car for not too much cash.
my wrx with 37000
i use as a daily drive here in the DC metro area, and i take trips to NC every now and then. I sit in traffic 1 hr to work, 1.5 hrs to come home.
i use as a daily drive here in the DC metro area, and i take trips to NC every now and then. I sit in traffic 1 hr to work, 1.5 hrs to come home.
Originally Posted by subiescottwrx
my wrx with 37000
i use as a daily drive here in the DC metro area, and i take trips to NC every now and then. I sit in traffic 1 hr to work, 1.5 hrs to come home.
i use as a daily drive here in the DC metro area, and i take trips to NC every now and then. I sit in traffic 1 hr to work, 1.5 hrs to come home.
VIP Member
iTrader: (3)
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 10,133
From: Lastweek Lane - Watertown, NY
Car Info: 02WRXpseudoSTiWannabeWagon
Daily driver BUT a) I lived on a 25mile diameter island which is 5k miles from the mainland, b) my commute to work was <2 miles, since I lived on base, and c) the car hasn't been driven for long periods due to various deployments, and most recently has been up on blocks awaiting an overhaul.....19k miles on a 2002 wagon.
I bought it on Oahu and the longest trip was a looooong loop around the island, then once I got it off of the boat (figuratively) here in the states, I drove from St Louis to southern Indiana. I got 23mph on that trip.
Must've had something to do with that blown #4.
I bought it on Oahu and the longest trip was a looooong loop around the island, then once I got it off of the boat (figuratively) here in the states, I drove from St Louis to southern Indiana. I got 23mph on that trip.
Must've had something to do with that blown #4.
My 04' wrx is my daily driver. I drive that thing everywhere. Have 12,600 miles on it. Took it to Santa Maria(3 1/2hr drive) and back home in one day. Had no problems and my friend and I were very comfortable.
I have a 04 WRX wagon with like 24000 miles on it. Drive it everyday and love it. Sometime I set in my coworker's accord when we go out for lunch and I was like damn, accord has much more space than my car. I'll definitely drive it on road trip.
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 414
From: Nether reach of CA delta
Car Info: 03 WRX Sedan MBP/17X7.5 SSR Comps/225 Kumho MX
My '03 WRX Sedan is my daily driver. Kumho MXs on 17" SSR Comps. I do 50 miles per day at 65+ MPH (not saying) during non-rush hours and love it. I'm 52 and find it very comfortable as a long trip car. I've done dozens of 8-hour trips that included 1 gas stop on roads that included freeways and mountain highways. And a couple of longer dashes to Vegas, too.


