for that price range you can find a slightly modded 02/03 with reasonable mileage. I like the bugeye better than the 04/05. As for the tranny. As long as you dont beat on it, it's going to last. I did the 2.5 swap and I'm putting down stage 2+ STi numbers and havent had 1 problem with the tranny...because I dont drive like an animal.
BUY THE BUGEYE...YOU WONT REGRET IT.