Faults:

When I first took delivery there was a rattling sound in the back that took a long time to resolve. They managed to nip it after 3 days of checking. Some loose screws in the body work.

A year ago the timing belt broke when I was on a highway. Scary, but managed to struggle the car to the dealer. Timing belt damaged played havoc on all related parts. Thankfully it was covered by the warranty. Otherwise would have cost me over S$5000 work of repairs.

General Comments:

Apart from the two problems mentioned above, this car is amazingly reliable and predictable. While it is not the latest model, I am reluctant to replace it with a newer model just because it is newer. This car is not a looker and even ugly in some angles. BUT it is strong, fast, dependable - safe and the AWD is so solid. Recommended to several of my relatives and two of them bought newer models. All agree with me about the car. Must be the most underrated SUV in the market today.

Shortcomings - backseats too narrow - improved in the newer models. Also the newer models come with light pressure turbo.

Before I committed to buying this car I was hesitant in buying a Subaru. However, after extensive online search on the reivews and owner feedback convinced me that it was a good investment. HOWEVER - if in SINGAPORE - forget about buying it from the agent.

The car was "delivered" to me by a phone call to come collect it - covered in white dust - and fuel tank almost empty. Each time after servicing, my interior will have oil stains on different parts of the car. Pissed me to no end.

Good car, but crap agent. Fuji Industries should wake up to this. Cars cost so much in Singapore and people expect good service as a result. I would have upgraded my car to a newer Forester if it was another agent.

Faults:

I have had absolutely NO problems with this car. It is easily the best of the 16 cars that I have owned. There is not am American or European car that can come close for reliability. I'm going to buy another one (hopefully a hybrid) when this one is old and tired.

General Comments:

I did not expect much for what I paid for this car. While it may not have sexy styling, it has greatly exceeded my expectations for reliability, utility, economy, comfort, features, and performance. As a new parent, I really appreciate that it's No. 1 in its class for safety, too. No wonder Car Talk and Consumer Reports can't stop raving about it!

Faults:

Things started to go right after the warranty expired. At about 36,500 miles the stereo went. The lid in the center compartment for storage doesn't close right. At 37000 miles the map sensor went. A major tune-up was needed at 39000 miles and it still ran terribly. Constant stalling, hesitation, check engine light comes on, etc. Now, I just had the coil replaced and it still hesitates and has no zip pulling away from a light. My mechanic was told coils always go on this car and that was told to him by the Subaru dealer. Still no recall though. Very unhappy with the mechanics of this car and am afraid to take on long trips.

General Comments:

This car has potential if Subaru could get their act together. The 2004 models seem better and I would love to trade this one in, but the dealer won't go over $10,500 which is 2 to 3 thousand under book value. May look at a totally different small SUV like the Mazda Tribute.