Hello all:
Well, an hour ago I took the plates off my 2002 Subaru Legacy wagon (160,000 km), and traded it in for a new Mazda 3.
I have owned two Subarus. (a Loyale and a Legacy.)
I was so excited when I bought the Legacy - here was the first car I ever owned that had everything I wanted, nothing I didn't, and seemed to me to be a wonderful combination of intelligent engineering and sensible design. My Loyale had lost its engine due to an oil pump failure and it had a short life span. But I was confident that was a fluke, and was hopeful that the Legacy would fully live up to my expectations.
Sadly, after two (!) head gaskets, radiator, waterpump, 2 steering pumps, wheel bearings, and a 6 month struggle with a stubborn check engine light (and more...), I had had enough. Over the last 2 years I have spent over $4000.00 on repairs and have had the car in various shops and dealerships about once every month. Between the Loyale and the Legacy, our Subarus have left us stranded on the side of the road 4 times. Two Ford Tempos, and a Suzuki Swift never stranded me in this way, ever!
I know many happy Subaru owners, but I have lost all confidence in Subaru. I am disappointed in the service I've received, in the way I've been treated in dealerships, and in the lack of support I have experienced from Subaru - and most of all - in the reliability of the car I so much wanted to be "the best car I ever owned"
Thanks for listening to me and offering help and suggestions in this newsgroup! My hope for all of you is that your Subarus are trouble free and enjoyable!
Best wishes, and adios! :)