Just had the same issue diagnosed on my "67 plate - 17K miles" Forester. The Dealer diagnosed the issue as a leak due to a stone chip - sounds familiar!! However after accepting that the replacement would be at my cost, I recieved a call from the Dealer saying that they would replace the part on a "goodwill" basis.
Many thanks for the heads up on Floor Mats Dug - just ordered a full set direct from Weathertech.
http://www.weathertecheurope.com
Price paid was £160.30 compared to the £180 on Ebay - delivery 3-4 days direct from Italy. Front and rear mats are available separately if required.
Having just joined I thought I would add my first post.
I bought the spacesaver which I keep in the garage and put in the back when I go on a long journey. If I need all the boot space, I just drop a seat down!
I decided not to buy the spacesaver boot kit as it was another £200+ and would reduce the boot size. Works well for me. The interesting thing is that the XV spacesaver is wider than most family saloon cars!