14th Jun 2024, 14:18
Probably the earlier owner never changed the power steering fluid. Happened to me once. I blame myself for not checking before buying a Forester. Later on I did, too late, but the fluid was like melted chocolate but grey in color.
15th Feb 2024, 21:51
Personally, I'd attribute the lack of response to the original review being written over 13 years ago... regardless of the accuracy of your observation about build quality vs lack of care.