I had a 2003 Forester for a year and a half. I loved it but I had to keep pouring money into it for repairs. I ended up leasing a Prius, and while service was "free" (I paid for it in the premium) I bet I could have saved in the long run by just keeping my Subbie. Now I have a 2014 Forester and I'm never letting it go.
RE: Rebuilding a 2005 Subaru Forester 2.5XT