Mikethack

Thanks again Judd, great information, I'll bear all that in mind. And don't worry, no way I'd look at a diesel Subaru or diesel anything for that matter.

Thanks Judd. Never heard of auxiliary air pumps, are they just on the Forester? What do they do? And yes, I'm a bit puzzled about the need for an electric handbrake, I have experienced on another car without issue though so I suppose it's not enough to put me off.

Thanks Jay for your input, I guess I need to pick the right one and keep up or ahead of the maintenance 🙂 Second bit easy, the first bit more difficult!

I'm considering joining the Subaru clan, potentially looking at a petrol Outback as a way of getting away from diesel DPF issues while wanting the space/ability of an SUV. And we're probably talking 2009 - 2016 Outback, I know that covers 2 versions but I'm not up with what "gens" they are. I'm a little unsure of Subaru though. On the one hand I read reviews commenting on the reliability, rugged construction and such like, on the other hand I see youtube videos of major engine issues or rusted out subframes or forum threads of people having to do complete engine swaps and the like. So I'm hoping for some honest feedback on the reality of ownership compared to other major manufacturers. Now I realise that an owners club is perhaps likely to contain members more favourably disposed to the brand than those against. But please don't take that the wrong way, as an ex Lotus owner (some years ago now) I realise that certain brands encourage a loyalty that is based upon the notable plus sides even despite the fact that might mean greater "input" from the owner than would be expected from other mainstream manufacturers. I guess I'd just like to know up front if it's likely to be a Lotus type experience of great highs accompanied by great lows or not so I know what I'm getting in to.