[NutmegCarrera]

I'm almost afraid to chime in after all of the crap subarus are taking here today, but I'm on my 3rd.
We started with a '98 outback, which my wife used working as a visiting nurse. Had to go all over backroads bumf@k Wisconsin in all sorts of weather. Not many people needing a visiting nurse know how to blow snow.

In any case, we kept that until '06, with 150k on the odometer. No rust, no leaks, and we had done regular oil changes, trans fluid, coolant and the timing belt. Brakes once (which are pretty easy on that car), and a couple of sets of tires. Great car. Sold it for $5k to a guy that works with me, and his wife has been happy with it ever since.

Our second (my car) replaced an Acura RDX. Loved the interior of the RDX, but was crap for utility value. The 08 subaru outback was a good car. However, the back seat really wasnt big enough for the kids (in booster seats, now).

Third is an '11 Outback. No steering wheel shake issues for me. I have under 5K miles on it, but think it's a pretty darned nice vehicle. Plan on keeping this one for a while. Have installed a larger rear sway bar, which helps quite a bit. 19mm instead of 15mm.

I would agree with earlier poster's comments about head gaskets on the DOHC cars. Never had an issue myself, but would hate to deal with that kind of stuff.

I have kept a Yakima roof rack on all of ours, but the '11 is kind of a PITA. Has "factory" accessories and a goofy crossbar design. Waiting for the Yakima "Landing pad 12" to come out so I can get sufficient crossbar spread to carry a canoe.

Yes, they are somewhat gutless - esp with an automatic. However, the CVT in the 2010 and 2011 is much nicer to live with. (I have the 4 cyl w/CVT).

Good luck.