There's just something about the Subaru Forester. I should know; I've testdriven the 2.0 and 2.5XT. Obviously, either one can do the job of taking you from A-B. However, the 2.5XT is simply and amazingly other-worldly experience. Talk about thrill factor.

Now, I'm no teener. I'm a single, 30-something executive who has a month to go before making a big decision on what to spend for my company car entitlement. I, too, have been considering the Subaru. I'm also taking a look at a 3.0 liter V6 Accord that churns out 240HP-in the same league as the XT, but in naturally-aspirated form. Speed and performance are, obviously, important to me. I guess it's the same with you.

You're gonna be "stuck" with your car for the next 5 years or so. It's in your best interest to go with what's really important to you in choosing your next purchase. Hope this helps.