1. The Escape's air intake is low, so there's a limit to its fording capabilities. And like flea has said, the Forester is a low vehicle... it's only a bit higher up than a sedan. If you really need a flood-worthy car, get a pick-up or a pick-up based SUV, like an Everest or a Fortuner. My friend has successfully survived 3-foot plus floods in his Everest... but if you do such things often, it's best to invest in a snorkel, too...

2. Reliability. Can't say much about the Forester, since it's uncommon. The Escape, there are some issues, but minor ones. Melting tail-lights (of course, the new Escape has different lights) are the only thing that comes to mind.

3. Escape spare parts are available at Banaue. It's not a big problem. Prices are actually surprisingly decent.

Forester parts aren't particularly hard to find. They're easy to get, in fact. But some parts will obviously not be as cheap as, say, parts for a Corolla taxi...

The one problem with the Forester is maintenance. Not many mechanics are familiar, and the flat four engine makes for some peculiar maintenance needs. A simple spark plug change for an I4 engine (like the Escape) can be done at home. With the Forester, you have to get it up on a lift and dismantle the manifolds to reach the plugs.