FYI, here's my recent experience with the infamous rear wheel bearing. We have two 2001 Foresters, both bought used. My wife's is automatic, mine's manual. I've had to have the right rear wheel bearing replaced on both by now, at 70K & 90K miles. For mine, it's the second time. The original owner had to have it done at 17K miles.
I used two different shops in the D.C. area. The costs: Mechanic 1: Parts, $119, Labor $150 Mechanic 2: Parts, $121, Labor $265.50
Mechanic 1 runs a casual shop, doesn't talk much and doesn't give the hours or his labor rate on the work order. Mechanic 2 charges $88.50 per hour, toted 3 hours and was articulate about why so much labor is required for that job. (And he makes it sound to my ears to be definitely not a DIY, contrary to some threads in this newsgroup.)
Mechanic 1, in Suitland, is near where I work now, so I'm "auditioning" him for the role of permanent mechanic. Mechanic 2, in Rockville, is a Saab specialist whom I used for my Isuzu Trooper for seven years and whose quality of work I trust completely.
Next up: The infamous CV joint boots...
-- Charles Packer mailboxATcpacker.org