JD - Can't offer much in terms of specs, but every Subie owner I've met swears by them in terms of handling and reliability. Just my $0.02.

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Chris
2007 E550 4Matic - 61,000 Km - Iridium Silver, black leather, Sport package, Premium 2 package
2007 GL450 4Matic - 62,000 Km - Obsidian Black Metallic, black leather, all options
1998 E430 - sold
1989 300E - 333,000 Km - sold
1977 280E - sold
1971 250 - retired

"And a frign hat. They gave me a hat at the annual benefits meeting. I said. how does this benefit me. I dont have anything from the company.. So they gave me a hat." - TheDon

Granted, we haven't actually met in person, Zeus, but I may be an anomaly to that rule.

Per my post above, I really didn't like my Subaru much at all. I was unimpressed. And I know several other former Subaru owners that experienced the dread head gasket problem or other difficulties, and weren't that happy with their ownership experience either.

But others differ. Perhaps they are more forgiving

I think it really depends on which model you get. The WRX or Forester is one thing ... the old model Legacy/Outback is another.

Cheers!

Last one I had I got for $5K.

Sorry for the sarcasm, but my point was the car is for my neice, not myself.

I hear there is a Turbo Diesel boxer coming our way in 2009. Subaru has shown the engine at a couple shows, and there are spyshots of a test mule with this engine on the web.

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"Ninja monkeys are meeting as we speak, plotting my demise."

1982 300D "Melba" 332k
1985 4Runner "billygoat" 204k

I would spend a considerable less amount of money and just buy a Rear Wheel Drive Volvo Wagon weather it be a 240, 740 or 940 turbo or none and have a limited slip rear-end installed if possible. Very reliable very nice cars. Subarus feel cheap in comparision both in confort and durability.

If she is a lesbian I would recommend the Outback. If she is not a lesbian, steer her towards the Forrester. I hope I have that right.

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

My spin on RWD w/limited-slip is that while it's better than an open differential in deep snow, a limited-slip diff can cause tracking problems on icy roads, particularly if the vehicle is attempting to climb an icy hill that has a significant road crown. In that case, the limited slip can cause the rear wheels to drift towards the low side of the road, and you wind up crabbing and crabby.

I drive a 4wd vehicle with open differentials front and back, and have zero tracking problems in snow or on ice. Definitely the way to go.