2000 Subaru Forester L review from North America

A number of problems have occurred that will make me think twice about keeping this car until the drive train warranty expires and will make me think once before buying another Subaru:

1) oxygen sensors have failed twice, once within the first 5,000 miles;

2) the left rear wheel bearing has failed twice, and not 500 miles after the last "fix" I am starting to hear that old familiar whine from the rear end of the car;

3) a left front axle seal (location inscrutably identified as "D.O.J" by the technician) slowly failed leaving a smoking mess on the exhaust pipe and who knows what kind of damage to the gear or mechanism protected by the seal (the dealer claims no harm could have occured due to lack of grease).

These problems have cost me nothing monetarily -- yet -- but of course have cost precious time dealing with the dealer.

I expected to be very pleased with this car when I purchased it, thinking that since my 1988 GMC truck lasted to 140,000 miles in excellent condition this Subaru should age at least that well and even better. I believe I was quite wrong; quite wrong indeed.

The Forester is just the right size, handles well, and is comfortable, but these repeated problems with less than 20,000 miles detract from an otherwise favorable opinion of the car. I am disappointed because I want to like this car completely. Next step: Major complaints to Subaru of America, for all it is worth.