Well ....some fairly major and depressing developments in the 4 days in which I have owned the car. Nothing as simple as cambelt failure I'm afraid - one of the big ends has gone probably twisting the shell bearing and virtually seizing the engine. So, we either attempt a rebuild, source a replacement motor, take the purchase price back and look again or, as the seller has a second identical car for sale, take that and allow him to repair the first car at his leisure. After discussions with him, my garage and the keeper of the family purse the last option seems best. We appear to have been exceptionally unlucky as we have had 3 previous Subarus of different types with no major mechanical issues. We are going to look at and test drive the second car this w/e so if all is well the swap should take place next week. Wish me luck -I think it's deserved!