Yours is the same generation as my 2013. I too like how much space there is in the hatchback, especially if you fold the seats down. If you remove the truck top divider (not sure of the proper name) you can also pack a lot of stuff vertically. It's almost like a Tardis in that regard (bigger on the inside...).
I got mine with the stick specifically because of the issues Ford was having with the transmission at the time. The problems were more severe back then, up to and including clutch failures.
The factory tires were crap and I replaced mine at 38k with BFGoodrich G-Force Comp-2 tires. I've put over 30k on those and they have lots of life yet, still ride quiet and handle great.
One thing I did for mine that really improved handling and wasn't difficult was to replace the rear sway bar with an aftermarket one. It really reduces understeer.
BTW, you can get a trailer hitch for it and use a hitch-mounted bike rack. I did that almost immediately after buying it.
Chris