My parents have two Foresters which is why I didn't buy one myself. Maintenance costs are on par with other Japanese vehicles, they are known for bad wheel bearings and some older Subaru engines (late 90s early 00s, 2.5L mostly) like to blow head gaskets. Other than wheel bearings my dad has had almost no issues with his 2000.My g/f has a 2003 Forester XS. Quite practical, as you say, though not much character. That little boxer 4 has got some umph... must be those long intake runners. BTW, are Subaru's on the expensive side to maintain? I heard that somewhere...