[KennEls]

Don't know if this can be of much help to you, as down under our Subaru's are imported (sic).

We have had both the 2.0 and 2.2 in (Liberty) wagons. Both engines have been extremely reliable and we have had no real dramas with either car.

The 2.2 tended always to be a bit smoother than the 2.0, and moved the car a bit more easily, as you would expect. The 2.0 always seemed a little under powered for the size of the car, although still adequate.

We did about 400,000 kms (250,000 miles) with the 2.2 and apart from the occassional little bug, oil pump at 300k, gave us lots of trouble free motoring.

The 2.0 has done about 270,000 kms (165,000 miles) and it always seemed a little harsh on the clutch, you got the feeling that it was a little overworked. We replaced the clutch and water pump about 10,000 kms ago, but in fairness to the car it has been pulling a 3/4 tonne trailer for the last 50,000 k's.

I honestly don't think that there is too much to pick between the engines we have found both to be reliable. Keep them serviced and maintained, go with preventive remedies and I think either will serve you well.

Kenn

BTW The 2.2 definately liked to use the fuel a lot more than the 2.0