To start with, it was difficult and noisy to change gears. It sounded and felt like I was changing gears badly as I did during driving lessons, but it happened every time. Sometimes, it was impossible to change down into 5th gear. I had to change down into 4th instead.

I took it to Subaru in Dubai, and they changed the clutch under warranty. However, almost exactly the same problem reappeared about 50,000 km later (now out of warranty), and I have also had two problems with the transmission (again, one under warranty and one not). I will list these problems separately.

Given the repeated problems, I am not convinced that Subaru's solution is the answer. I think there is something else wrong here but there is no desire to investigate, or even pass the problems on.

Though it wouldn't have made any difference with this first incident, had I bought a Toyota 86 instead (almost exactly the same car - minor trim differences), Toyota's unlimited mileage warranty would have saved me a great deal of money.

Please note: I am not certain of the mileage and date listed in this entry. They are approximate.