[jp1203]

Outback XT is NOT a good first car. The turbo engine is not for beginners unless they plan on researching AND taking care of it.

Requires premium fuel. Regular will cause issues.
Needs synthetic oil and diligent oil changes. Not forgiving of neglect.

Potential for lots of repairs.

Agreed.

If you want a relatively quick one around that age that is probably much more reliable, look for an H6 (3.0R). The H6 engine for 05-09 makes 245 HP and 215 lb ft of torque (as opposed to 243 HP and 241 lb-ft of torque in the XT). Not as quick as the XT but pretty comparable at highway speeds and definitely no slouch! Also only available with an automatic transmission, as opposed to being able to get an XT with a manual or an auto. The H6 engine is very, very bulletproof.

 

[jp1203]

AND recently we had some snow and that little car did great. The manual XT has limited slip in the rear. I think this only came in the manual XT but I could be wrong.

Also no bitching about premium gas and synthetic oil changes, you have been warned.

My 2008 3.0R also has a limited slip rear end. I think they did away with that in 2010.

Worth mentioning that premium gas is recommended in the H6 (but not required like in the XT). I always run 93 octane in mine just as I did in my 2004 H6.

 

[jp1203]

I struggled with the H6/XT decision myself. My heart wanted the XT, my brain told me I'm better off with the 3.0R. So far, I'm happy with my decision. That H6 has plenty of power for me. Everyone who I've let drive it has been very impressed. Having nearly all the torque available even at low revs is nice.