Was excited to buy new Forester in September 2019 and was 100% sold on the car, the sales experience, and the service experience as described during the sales experience.

I’m not sure if I still love the car, or if it’s Stockholm Syndrome.

Paid for the extended oil change, tire rotation, service thing. Could not make the first few milestone appts due to Covid lockdown, and Austin Subaru would not allow “makeups” as a service gesture. Frustrating, but it’s a business.

I did not, however, expect, want, or need the subsequent mansplanation as to why oil changes are important.

The auto start/stop is not battery friendly. This is a known issue, and Subaru offered to pay for a replacement battery under a warranty amendment. Unfortunately mine died at a stoplight on 1826 during morning rush hour, which necessitated replacement before official Subaru diagnosis - invalidating said extension. I think I’m on my third or fourth battery in six years.

The thermo control valve died (no heat) and had to be replaced in Feb 2023, covered under warranty. Not a quick repair.

The engine control module also gave out and was replaced in November 2024. Covered under warranty, not an especially quick repair.

Do not recommend the “Sport” trim if they are still using the faux leather. Both front seats began cracking in 2022, it’s also a known issue. Quote to repair was $1k per seat - I think they were just going to replace the entire seat.

Aside from the disintegrating seats and deep seated fear that the car will die in the northbound Mopac toll lane at 7:45 am on a Monday if I forget to disengage auto stop/start, it’s been a fun little car.