Crikey....I think I've been put off them for life. No wonder Demannu once told me he didn't like them. Never understood why till just now.
"Owner Says Nightmare Subaru Has Killed Four Engines Within 3,000 Miles"
"Blown motor again... after fresh Subaru rebuild 5000 miles ago"
And thanks to Mistareno for the suggestion of a Ford Territory. I didn't realize there were heaps of them on dual fuel. This still appeals to me (I will do a fair few miles in the city), as do lots of secondhand parts at the wreckers. And a nice large body is good in prangs.
I used to cringe at the word Ford, but drove them as taxis about 10 years ago, and grew to like em. Though the seats were terrible.
my parents have an AWD territory diesel.... it's a really good tow car and quite frugal. It's certainly not a proper 4wd, but I reckon it would suite you needs for sure I've seen the petrol engine pop up fro sale for $50bux (from memory) on facebook ... 'cos you jus tcan't kill them, so there is no market for them used.
seeya
Shane L.