Faults:

Transmission started slipping at 175000.

Primary turbo failed at 145000.

Knock sensor failed at 100000.

Airflow meter failed at 100000. This problem is pretty standard for airflow meter equipped vehicles.

Pretty damn good considering I drive this thing within an inch of its life, everywhere I go.

General Comments:

The turbo system is a bit of a let down with its torque curve ie it disappears at 5000rpm for a second or two.

Handles extremely well when comparing to other large cars.

Buy a manual if you can find one.

Faults:

Original battery replaced at 77000 kms.

General Comments:

Great reliable car.

Excellent handling (4wd).

Huge, spacious boot (sedan).

Average economy, which I am willing to live with because of the great reliability and handling.

Faults:

Steering rack needed replacement. Never found out the cause, but apparently it's fairly common.

Seating is starting to tear in places.

General Comments:

Car is quick enough for it's class, but the twin turbo setup is inferior to the previous 1989 RS Legacy's I owned. Lag is pretty noticeable in places. I'm not sure what possessed me to get the tiptronic version either, from what I have read the manual versions are far superior and more enjoyable to drive.

Handles okay for something of its size, but is very thirsty - general use has been for long trips, as is uneconomical to drive around town (IMO, anyway).

Interior is typical Subaru - pretty basic really with hardly any frills. Road noise is pretty low, and is comfortable enough on long trips.

Overall I expected much more - if I buy Subaru again, I'll most likely go with a WRX, as they suit my style of driving better.

Faults:

Radiator top tank sprung a leak.

Alternator died and belched smoke through the vents.

Transmission has a hardened o-ring, so when changing into "Drive", it doesn't build up the pressure quick enough to engage, only happens occasionally and transmission treatment is a quick fix that lasts a couple of months.

You can't blame the car for these faults, it's from a lack of servicing from previous owners.

General Comments:

This car handles incredibly, my last car was a 1994 Nissan Skyline GTS25, the Legacy is slightly heavier, but actually feels a lot lighter, due to it's extra power and awesome handling.

I have the tiptronic gearbox and I love the low down torque from the primary turbo. I can floor it and get going quick without going over 3000rpm.

For the occasions when I floor it all the way up to red line, it's a rocket.

The car is slightly too small for me now, as I have 3 kids and a wife, so with two kiddy seats in the back my 7 year old is a bit squashed when she's sitting between them both. We don't go on long drives, so this isn't a problem yet, but will be when she grows a bit more.

Faults:

This has been an extremely reliable car.

Brake pads, rotors, and brake lines replaced at 190,000.

Oil leak through front seal repaired at 110,000.

Catalytic converter replaced 2 days after the car was purchased.

Other than that the car has held up extremely well, only normal wear and tear items replaced.

General Comments:

This has by far been the most reliable car I have owned!!

Prior to the Subaru, I owned nothing but American made vehicles. This car is a refreshing change from spending 50% of the time in a garage having your car worked on.

Faults:

At around 130,000 my Outback started giving off this funny smell and running hot sporadically. I took it to our mechanic, and get a phone call saying that the heads are warped, they have to go to the machine shop to be re-surfaced, there is exhaust in my cooling system and and the entire cooling system had to be re-done. Along with the entire cooling system, I opted to go ahead and have all the belts changed, have a tune up and over all re-work my car so I can drive the wheels off. $2500 later. Fast forward 4 months, my car starts running hot sporadically again, I take it back to the same mechanic 5-6 times, as they were trying to duplicate the overheating. They replace the radiator cap, thermostat and finally the car is back right now having the whole cooling system redone again (exhaust fumes in the cooling system - seems like I have heard that before), fortunately for me at no charge because I have a great mechanic who stands by his work even though it might not be his fault...

I must also add that my mechanic now has two other Subaru's in his shop right now, having the same problems...

General Comments:

I am unsure if when I get this car back, if I should keep it and hold my breath for this problem to happen again, or can I go with my original plan to spend a small amount of money (as compared to the purchase of a new car) so I can drive the wheels off???