[bman400]

@BlockBuster2V to the best of my knowledge. The head gasket material was never changed from composite to MLS for the NA. They may have improved on the composite material to very slightly improve it's longevity and reduce leaks but not by much. MLS is the only long term solution.

It's a toss-up between the 2005 and the 2009 generation. Definitely more oompf from the 2009 onwards. But also requires higher maintenance in these areas:

• EGR valve (Not in 2001-2002)
• Throttle body cleaning because of the EGR valve.

IMHO it's a tough decision between 2005 vs 2009 onwards. I am biased due to my 2001 as it's a super low maintenan: Plugs, oil, battery, cooling system, etc...I don't need to mess with EGR, PCV, throttle body, etc..

 

[maller01]

@BlockBuster2V I would recommend you sit in and test drive both the 2005 and the 2009. Both are very different chassis and it would be beneficial for you to know if you like one more than the other, even if you don’t buy either of these. It will help you know what you want to target your search towards. For example you might like the look of the 2005 better but find you like the way the 2009 drives more than the 2005.

 

[BlockBuster2V]

@BlockBuster2V I would recommend you sit in and test drive both the 2005 and the 2009. Both are very different chassis and it would be beneficial for you to know if you like one more than the other, even if you don’t buy either of these. It will help you know what you want to target your search towards. For example you might like the look of the 2005 better but find you like the way the 2009 drives more than the 2005.

Sounds good, will do

 

[adc]

I had an 09 it needed HGs at 120K miles and remember. even though Subaru doesn't say it every 107K miles the Timing belt, water pump, 4 idlers and tensioner need replaced. Find out what was done here.

You are looking at mega money pits. I wouldn't touch either with a 10 ft pole.

 

[YoGeorge]

One important difference is that adults will fit in the back seat of the 2009+ SH where I could not even get my size 12 foot into the back seat of an SG. If you ever need to carry people, go for the later body style.

 

[trailangel]

2010X NA MT here with 115,000 miles on it. I have kept up with the service. Change MT oil 3 times. Rear diff 2 times, Plugs every 30K miles. New oil at least every 5,000 or sooner. Filters. Timing Belt, new clutch at 100k. It needed new brakes at 100,000 miles as well!
No signs of HG problems.
I have not changed the coolant or water pump. I have a theory..... they put something in the coolant at the factory and I'm leaving it that way until there is a problem. People always change their coolant, and afterward....HGs leaking?!
I had a Subaru mechanic drive it... said it drove really nicely, but in his opinion it would need HGs at 140,000 miles.
This theory testing might take a couple of years.
Very reliable car. AC still works like the day I bought it. Still on the factory alignment.

 

[adc]

2010X NA MT here with 115,000 miles on it. I have kept up with the service. Change MT oil 3 times. Rear diff 2 times, Plugs every 30K miles. New oil at least every 5,000 or sooner. Filters. Timing Belt, new clutch at 100k. It needed new brakes at 100,000 miles as well!
No signs of HG problems.
I have not changed the coolant or water pump. I have a theory..... they put something in the coolant at the factory and I'm leaving it that way until there is a problem. People always change their coolant, and afterward....HGs leaking?!
I had a Subaru mechanic drive it... said it drove really nicely, but in his opinion it would need HGs at 140,000 miles.
This theory testing might take a couple of years.
Very reliable car. AC still works like the day I bought it. Still on the factory alignment.

They put the equivalent of Holt's Radweld in the car new. If you replace the coolant, add it.

 

[onerahiwor]

@BlockBuster2V,
i had 2010 XT Forester, a solid car, 4speed auto not cvt, and fb2.5 motor, only issue was ac pump needed replacing, very good car , sold to my girl at 190,000kms,
i now have 2020 forester premier, heated leather seats, auto braking ,cvt trans, facial recognition, lane change alert, etc, 20,300kms. another great car. in New Zealand WE GET THE JAPAN ASSEMBLED CARS, i think USA and Canada SUBARUS are built else were. from what i understand.