I recently got rid of my 2008
I recently got rid of my 2008 Outback which has been the worst car I ever owned including some 80's Chryslers. I bought the Outback brand new and maintained perfectly. The car had everything that could possibly go bad on a Subaru. I spent over $12,000 beyond normal maintenance. Five wheel bearings, bad heat shields, 2 ballpoints, air bag electrical problem, incorrectly assembled front suspension and the nail in the coffin bad head gaskets all before 80,000 miles. So much for Japanese quality. I actually blasted Consumer reports consistently recommended the Subaru. I actually spoke with the chief Consumer reports Engineer who suggested I file lemon law lawsuit. Except that it does not meet the criteria for lawsuit since the problems occurred over a 8 year period not in a short time frame that would qualify for the lemon law. Subaru has had these problems dating back to the early 2000's but never did anything to correct the design flaws. Subaru has a tremendous marketing department which is their strength not their Engineering skills. I recently traded in the Outback for a Buick Encore AWD. which got good ratings. All of my relatives who a huge Honda owners couldn't believe that I would abandon the Foreign cars. Well, we will see if they are correct. They blasted me for years for driving a 2005 Saturn Ion that currently has 115,000 miles on it and has been totally restore. They wanted me to fix the Outback which would have cost me about $6,000 to get in reliable shape. By after reading on-line the owners have done 2 or more head gaskets replacements before 150,000 miles I decided to cut my losses and purchase the Encore which a German design built in South Korea. Doing internet research this car seems to have few problems and it is so much nicer than the Outback as far as luxury ride and amenities. Time will tell.