From the perspective of owning a Forester in Japan, please be advised as follows:

Negative aspects

-Good fuel economy on long run, poor on short journeys (turbo).

-Rear wheel bearings tend give up at around 100,000km. Expensive to change. Job must be done by expert. However, possible to fit the larger Legacy bearings.

-Limited space in wheel arches, which means even 70% profile tyres won't fit. Unless you get physical with the suspension.

-No proper spare wheel. Scrap yard sourced spare sits very slightly proud, but essentially no problem.

-Difficult to change spark plugs (Turbo), but fortunately the originals last at least 100,000km.

- Inside clock tends to fail. Stereo not that reliable.

Positive aspects

-Good traction on snow. Has LSD (Turbo).

-Good ground clearance (except STi).

-Reliable (up to 100,000km). Alternator/water pump belts last to 100,000km. No need to change fuel filter. Just remove, blow through from both directions and refit. Brake pads (fronts last about 50,000km, rears longer. Dead easy to change.

-Handles well for soft roader. Bit like a front wheel drive on gravel corners. Really needs a central diff.

-Easy servicing (except for spark plugs).

-Runs on regular petrol (including Turbo).

-Possible to angle out fog lights so they function as corning lights.

Worth considering Turbo/auto spec if available in the UK.

Bottom line: Seriously considering scrapping at 100,000km, particularly if approaching 10th birthday. A lot of expensive servicing/repairs fall due. Here in Japan, auction prices are so cheap that replacement is often the best option.