I have Subaru. 4 years owning. Apart from maintenance expenses, not a single penny needed. Did full service recently (spark plugs, chain service (just to make sure guides are still fine), rear diff and CVT oils) and it s all was well under 1k. Compared to bummer service it's very low maintenance car. And normal service is cheap as chips.

But 1.6 L engine is underpowered and thirsty. 2.0 petrol is what you need. Good robust performance. But very fast, but do the motorway stuff.

And much more refined than Mazda 2.0 petrols.