New to Subaru – 2009 or 2012?

I am in the market for an outback as I am releasing the equity in my Landcruiser Troopcarrier V8 TD here in Australia and would like something with plenty room, light offroad capability and most importantly reliability!

Looking online I am reading some horror stories so I thought I would ask you all if you could point me in the right direction of some geniuine buying advice.

Through my reading and staying within my budget of around $10k AUD I could get a outback of either the 2009 or 2012 era with them being relatively okay engines in both the petrol and diesels, is that right? They would be around the 200km+ mark. Am I better going for the Manual or is the Auto okay? Petrol or Diesel?

I think I prefer the 2009 shape but to be honest if the 2012 is much better on performance and reliability this comes as a priority.

I have my eye on a one owner from new, 2007 MY08 3.0R Petrol 5 speed auto. They good?

Appreciate any help!

Thanks, Ben.