well what are you looking for in a daily? i want good mileage, comfy seats/ride/suspension, not too loud, but defintly can handle its own from light to light.
AWD isnt necessary in ohio, unless you suck at driving in adverse conditions.
gti is a great choice, and can be had used for half the money you are trying to spend.
the wrx is nice, but the mileage is OK, 25mpg at most when driven light and it runs fine on 89, no knock what so ever! and no interior space
how bout 03+ bmw 3, or 5 series? very quick, great mileage, sits low with no clearance issues. add a set of rims and your good to go!