Friend of mine has an STI (wagon) as his work "truck" and he couldn't be happier with it. He came from a work van before that. STI fits his needs and hes always moving big items. with the rear seats down its like a small truck bed. Fits just as much stuff in his car as I do in the Toyota pick up we have.
btw you said 2500 for the trans... you had to pay? no warranty?