Faults:

Replaced Platinum spark plugs at 70,000 kilometres - difficult to access so had mechanic replace plugs.

Tyres renewed every 20,000 kilometres

One problem being they are not cheap as they are directional tyres fitted to Subarus.

Tensioners replaced at 60,000 kilometres.

Cam belt and other belts changed at 60,000 kilometres at same time as tensioners.

General Comments:

Has a tendency to catch you unaware when you floor the pedal. Turbo kicks in rapidly around 2,500 - 3,000 revs.

Handles well being a Stationwagon and loves cornering with a bit of speed behind you.

Interior is spacious and appealing to the eye. Generous boot space.

Gas guzzler when you drive with a heavy foot, but not so bad when driven with a bit a common sense.

Faults:

Noisy air conditioning compressor.

Brakes (just worn).

All Wheel Drive centre viscous coupling currently jammed.

Drivers seat padding has collapsed (causing back problems)

Alternator failed, although it has not been repaired it still seems to be operating.

Automatic tranmission seems dodgy: Often thuds on upshift, slurs on downshift and under heavy acceleration seems to jump from 1st to 2nd, back to 1st for half a second and then straight to third!

Original exhaust system is starting to rattle and rust.

General Comments:

Considering the mileage and how it is treated it has been extremely reliable.

It is my work car, and was previously owned by my company, so I know it's had a hard life! We do a lot of rural driving on rough roads.

There is not much room in the front for tall drivers, the drivers seat needs to go back 3 more notches.

Climate control air conditioning has trouble coping with the heat after being parked in the sun. It blows warm air for up to 20 minutes.

The engine has to work very hard to pull around such a heavy car. I try to keep it over 4000 RPM on grades.

Overtaking manoeuvres need to be well planned, sudden bursts of throttle do *not* result it great increases in power!

Fuel economy is shocking! Usually I get 350-450kms from a tank of 40-45 litres of 91 octane.

The engine is nice and smooth (pity about the exhaust system) the transmission is not! Nice enough to drive, but definitely doesn't sparkle in any areas.

Faults:

Power steering pump died at 155000km, found a 2nd hand one for cheap (no worries so far).

Climate air linked, fixed for $100NZ.

Front crank shaft seal starting to leak (but only when driving at high revs), will probably last until next the cam-belt change.

Little play in the steering rack, but nothing really needed to be fixed so far.

General Comments:

I though I was buying a 4x4 wagon able to go off the main-roads and I got a true tarmac beast! However it's perfect for the endless NZ metal roads...

I've changed the shocks for some sporty KYB and the original tyres (195/65-14) for some high spec Khumo 205/55-15: cornering and general handling are really impressive since, however the tyres will not last very long!

Love the all wheel drive cornering grip and the general balance of the car: if you push too hard, it slips gently from the 4 wheels (unlike most 2 wheel drive cars).

Amazing on any slippery surface as well (gravel, snow, rain, mud, sand...)

Sounds great over 4000 revs, but very quiet when cruising 100km/h under 3000 revs.

Seats are good even after a 5 hours no-stop drive.

Original stereo sounds like crap: get some decent speakers and a CD player.

More torque and power would be better, but at least this one is cheap to run; unlike the awesome twin turbo ones: mine takes about 10.5L /100km when driving quick.

I'll probably keep it until it dies ('will take a while...), unless I get '94 GTB Bspec!

Faults:

In my five speed gear box the synchro wore out in second and third gear.

Have since had it repaired.

Other than that, nothing whatsoever.

General Comments:

What can I say, I love Subaru's.

I love how they sound, how they drive, the shape, the power, there's not a thing I don't like about them.

Faults:

Cv boots have been replaced at service time.

General Comments:

Almost unbelievable reliability and durability. Still on the original clutch/battery/radiator after 327,000 kms (202740 miles) and despite abuse on metal roads, snow and ice plus off road, it is using nil oil between changes @ 10,000 km intervals.

Was due for replacement in 1996 but with 100% reliability record (which is more than can be said for the new Audis, Fords and Vauxhalls at work!) and a high quality paint finish, it is pointless replacing an asset that will not depreciate any further and still drives exceedingly well with outstanding grip and handling in all conditions.