Faults:

Speedy Cables broke twice.

Driver side rocker cover constantly leaks oil onto the up-pipe.

Very worn gearbox bearing.

Central Locking controller stop working (it got wet)

General Comments:

This car is seriously quick, not much can match the acceleration from a stand still. Due to it lacking a proper plated LSD, it under steers a lot though.

The Insurance is a joke, quotes normally range from £1000 upwards.

Can be very thirty on fuel (9mpg), but can just about return 20mpg when driven carefully.

Relatively simple to work on, due to its rally heritage everything is laid out to make it quick to work on.

Parts are quite expensive, but not much goes wrong.

Faults:

I believe my O2 sensor is going out, but very slowly.

The car is a bit beat up, but that was from previous owner abuse.

Brakes refuse to not squeal, regardless of pad type or frequency of replacement.

Ignition switch had to be replaced at 155,000.

General Comments:

This car is amazing. It runs even after being hit a total of 3 times, and keeps on trucking. The car does not burn any oil or has ever had any major mechanical problems. I have only done routine maintenance on the car and can't say enough good about it. It's pretty slow, as Subaru was still learning how to make a fuel efficient yet quick car back in 93, so it's no race car. Seats can be a bit uncomfy on long trips. However I do a lot of driving everyday, take care of it, and have had no problems whatsoever. It has pretty simplistic styling, with just a touch of something different. The car is built like a friggen rock; I feel very safe in it. This car responds well to anything you try to throw at it, and I will definitely be buying another Subaru in the future. Props to Subaru for making such a gem!

Faults:

AT 140,000 miles, there was very little wrong with it (possibly nothing?). It was a one owner car that was properly maintained by an elderly couple. They even replaced belts and hoses before selling as a courtesy.

General Comments:

I bought this car after extensive reviews by Consumer Reports and because it was AWD (4wd is necessary to climb my driveway.) My previous car was a 1991 4WD Landcruiser (freakin' lemon) that only lasted me 1.5 years 182,000 miles. It should be noted that I am VERY hard on cars and they have little to no value left when I'm through with them. I live 75 miles from town on roads that are *barely* maintained. And I drive pretty fast. There are stretches of road that last for an hour with no help in sight. The adjectives Reliable and Dependable are not taken lightly to me.

Anyway, this Subaru has lasted me 100,000 miles and three years for a total of 230,000+ miles. I'm ready to get a new car because, well, I'm done abusing this one.

I can't say enough good things about this car. If you find one, BUY IT! 26-27 MPG, quick, durable, it's a great commuter!! Performed effortlessly on my 25% grade (straight uphill) switchback muddy driveway every winter. Drove through unplowed snow on unpaved roads like a cloud.

A few drawbacks: seats are moderately uncomfortable on long rides, back seat is too small for two car-seats plus one person, temporary spare tire!! I hate that thing. And the gas tank could be bigger (11.2 gal). That's about it. Oh, and ground clearance could be higher for off road conditions.

Damage I have caused it after 3 years of CONSIDERABLE OFF-ROAD TEARING IT UP: struts are completely destroyed, muffler has come loose three times, spark plug has blown out of engine (easily fixed with heli-coil), cracked Rack and Pinion steering unit, gone through countless air cleaners, cracked windshield, a/c controls broken, countless tires, body completely scratched up by road brush. That is not bad, considering what could have gone wrong... and what DID go wrong with my old LandCrusher. The engine light has never even gone on with this thing.

I am looking for a car that can at least equally perform and stand up to me, my roads, my kids, and gas prices. Any ideas?