Faults:

Since I have only had the car for 6000KM, nothing has gone wrong.

General Comments:

The car feels VERY solid. The main thing here to consider is that it's not a regular car, it is a real race car. Obviously, the ride is very bumpy, but still comfortable. Accessories are quite standard. The DCCD (Driver's Control Center Differential (DCCD)) is very cool to play with at first, but setting it to AUTO is the way to go in the snow, but maxing it to the rear does help for MPG.

The car is incredibly fast. People complain about turbo lag, but when you take that in account, the car is easily drivable in traffic / downtown. The gear ratio of the transmission is very high. Ex, at 120 km/h in 6th gear, you'll be doing about 3100RPM. Fuel consumption is awful compared to a normal car (60$ for about 240-400km, driven normally; 240-250 at -20c, while 400 in the summer), but normal I guess when you take in account how powerful the engine is (300hp).

Handling is incredible, as braking is. The sound of the engine is quite lovely, expressing itself only at high revs / full throttle. The turbo whistling is quite load, but very entertaining.

I bought this car to enjoy more the winter and I do enjoy it a lot. Each time I turn the ignition it gives me a big smile on my face.

I cannot find a negative aspect to that car, knowing that I bought it for what it is, an expensive toy.

Faults:

New front brake rotors needed at just 10K! Developed head gasket leak at 12K. Transmission hard downshift at 35K. Seat covers are already wearing thru and seams cracking.

General Comments:

This is my first Subaru and it will be my last one. Buying a Subaru was a mistake. Dealer Service is very inflexible and warranty support is very difficult to obtain unless you scream at them.

Faults:

Dodgy wheel alignment - out of alignment every six months and scrubs out tyres. Dealer has had it checked and re-done, but it still goes out of alignment and the current tyres howl horribly.

'Gurgling' noise from somewhere when taking off. Dealer says it's the heater, annoying, but not serious.

One off mysterious puff of blue smoke when starting.

General Comments:

Auto is crap! Huge lag when changing neutral to drive or reverse - embarassing when taking off at the lights if you have been idling in neutral. Own a 43 year old Mercedes which is better - in fact the old Merc is perfect.

A slug!!! Gotta floor it to get any sort of performance.

Handles beautifully.

Looks the goods. Snazzy alloys - 7 spoke and metallic blue with tint. Avoid dark colours as they show every scratch and bit of dirt.

Very relaxing and comfortable to drive. Took it from Perth to Sydney return - 4 300 km each way and it was a joy to drive and both drivers and the dog had no complaints.

Trading it for a '08 MANUAL Forester an altogether much better vehicle.