Faults:

Central locking stopped working.

Heavy fuel consumption.

Rough running, stalls easily.

Heavy depreciation on purchase price for both me and the previous owner.

General Comments:

Feels solid on the road, handles well, easy to drive and park.

Dashboard and door trims cheap quality plastic, even on XS model, but XS seats are good.

Uses fuel like a much larger car, and I am not a lead foot.

High cost of parts and servicing. Poor dealer support.

Car is unnecessarily complex mechanically in relation to what it delivers. For example why have a low-range reduction when the ratio is only 1.1 to 1? Needs to be 1.5 or better to be worthwhile.

Wheel arches are too small so I could not fit higher profile tyres when original 215 x 16 x 60% wore out. Subaru should have stuck with 15" rims like on earlier model as 60 profile tyres are useless in sand - not enough sidewall bag.

Depreciation is shocking. First owner paid $38000 new in late 2003. Three years later I paid him $24000 for it. Now, three years further on it's worth about $12000!