Subaru's pickup feels "sluggish" because it's a full time AWD, engine need to move all 4 wheels during pickup.

Other's claim AWD but is torque on demand, so most of the time only drive 2 wheels, that's why those fake AWD seems to have faster pickup off the line.

Owned 3 Subaru's before, 2 were turbo.

I am just quoting those that complain about it's pickup.

Yes, it's perfectly ok but many bought Subaru due to the WRX bloodline and expecting performance of STI.

Yep.

The slight character for having full time AWD.

Flat4 engine, on long high rev run, first thing to go is usually rocker cover gasket or top gasket or whatever you call it. Not major issue but need to look for it and have it replaced. With CVT gearbox, you don't usually keep the rev above 3500rpm for very long. The problem of rocker cover leak is now prolong'ed to much higher mileage before it occurs.

The annoying electric power steering rack rattling issue that hit nearly all cars (not just Subaru) will come to you sooner or later.

Aircond is another issue for Subaru, especially CBU units from Japan. Local CKD units fare better but since I no longer own any Subaru for 5 years now, I had not been following the trend of this topic.

Otherwise, it's pretty much a bomb proof car.

As usual, the weakest part of Subaru are two:-
(1) after sales service in Malaysia, plus availability of parts,
(2) can they farking get a better designer to design the car? Ugly as F for so many years.. 🤪


ok, be fair, there isn't many OEM part maker for Subaru. Parts come from Japan mostly. Hence expensive and not commonly available.

Good to drive, ok lah.
Fun to drive definitely not.
It's a potato.
If you can get WRX rear sway bar, can improve it's potato'ness.

FA20DIT is a very thrifty engine, not like the thirsty EJ.
Getting 8liter to 100km or 12.5km/L is common.

On the down side:-
- Most have CVT issue and require valve body replacement.
- Bushings are weak but this is general trend of new Subaru, smaller bush.
- Aircond issue, usually cooling coil leak and some unlucky one, compressor.
- Odd size tire. It was the only car on Msia road using 225/55/18, expensive and difficult to find