Faults:

One head gasket replaced under warranty, started leaking again within 5000 miles, still leaking. Dealer won't fix even under warranty.

The 2.5L non turbo cars have a design defect that will eventually cost the owner some serious cash, especially if the head gasket really starts leaking and starts a fire from all the oil leaking out.

Don't buy one!

General Comments:

AWD is incredible in the snow, reasonable MPG, can't think of anything else good to say.

Faults:

Cooling system started leaking 3 weeks after we got it. Improperly tightened hoses from the factory or so they said. I still have had pesky cooling system leaks from day one. Most recent required replacement of the gaskets on the engine.

Also have had oil pan leaks. Pan gasket replaced at 22000 miles, but I still see drips every now and then.

Noisy window motors, rattles when partly open unless all the way down.

Plastic interior parts scratch easily and are cheap and chintzy overall.

It's been in the shop 2-3 times a year for other things like false dash lamp warnings and poor mileage also.

If this is supposed to be "Japanese quality" then I am definitely going back to Ford come November at trade in time!

General Comments:

Dealer service has been average not exemplary. Often long wait times for parts. Subaru dealership service has not gone out of their way to make me feel like I made a good choice buying a Japanese car. I wish that I had purchased a new Ford Fusion instead. Perhaps trade in on one in 6 months.

Subaru has not been anything special; no pride or love of ownership. It's a very over rated car that is not at all worth half of what they ask for it.

Buying a Subaru was a mistake. My neighbor's Toyota Camry is a much better put together car and cost him less than my Subaru, and has never been in the shop once. Never again will I buy a Subaru, nor will I recommend one to anyone.

Faults:

Nothing major has gone wrong with the car so far.

Spot lights have blown out a few times, but that's it.

Rear brake pads need replacing next service.

General Comments:

Great all around car, and a good choice for the someone that wants understated performance from this versatile car.

The turbo spools up casually, and is nice and progressive, although there is a slight lag.

As it's an AWD 2.5 turbo, it is thirsty, but nothing more than what you expect (around 400kms per tank).

Seats in the XT could be a little more curved to the body, and a long drive can make you a little uncomfortable, but besides that, the driving position and vision are excellent.

Steering is sharp with good feel, and the tiptronic box is good but a little laggy, and more for show than real use.