Haven't had those problems yet Mik but wise words there.

parts are inexpensive from Subaru USA, the closest car dealer to me is Subaru, just up the hill.

Timing belt
All Models, Forester, w/o Turbo - 2.5l, 1999-08
List Price : $89.95

Good think mine is only 49k miles

5 years or 100,000km.... The rubber perishes with time apparently. Sybaris aren't forgiving when the belt snaps too.

Spark plugs are a pain to change too. I did it once, paid to have it done once too.

They are good cars but getting on. The sfs showing paint peel and rust now. Elec issues too.

Imho there are less costly cars out there for his money if he thinks datsuns cost heaps

Which cars are less costly than datsuns?

Matchbox maybe?