They were known to have head gasket issues prior to 2011 I believe and also needed timing belt replacement kits at 100k up to that date. About $300 for the kit and plenty of DIY youtube vids if you're capable. The 2011 models changed to timing chains. Subaru is totally committed to the boxer engine and it's quite a good mill. They do burn some oil with higher mileage but run pretty fantastic. My youngest has a 2010 forester bought used with 140k on it. The head gaskets and timing belt kit had already been done on it so very little concerns when we picked it up. It was extremely well taken care of and they're really easy to maintain imho. Can't beat the 4/all wheel drive system. It's bumping up against 160k and the only thing we've done is brakes. So far...so good. He's 22, fresh out of school with his first real job and loves having the additional room he wouldn't get in a small car along with the maneuverability. I admit it was his mother that pushed for the suv type over an affordable good mileage getting car so after researching, this was the compromise. Not a full blown suv or explorer that gets 14mpg and not a civic or camry that gets 30 but it averages 21ish. Could probably do better if he didn't drive it like a race car. Hope this helps. There's millions of them on the road.
