So...

Thank goodness I found another "RU".

The ex took the '07 in the divorce.

I found an '05 Outback XT with 38k, it's great. Who cares about the gas mileage!

First experience with a turbo, any suggestions?

Also the ride is a bit soft for my driving style, any more suggestions?

The Outbacks always had kind of a smooth ride, but there are options for stiffer springs and shocks if you wanna pony up the $$$$.

 

Turbo. CHANGE THE OIL!!! Doesn't really matter what you use, as long as it's new and the correct weight, just change it, then change it again, and keep changing it. You can not keep the oil clean enough in a turbo engine. Engrave a reminder note in the dash board if you have to, DO NOT go over the recommended oil change interval. If you really get into the throttle heavy on a regular basis and work the turbo, change it sooner than the recommended interval. If you only drive the car 5 miles at a time, change it sooner. The turbo will thank you with many years of happy spinning and boost. If you neglect the oil changes, the turbo will suffer, and in the end so will your wallet when the bearings go bad and the turbo chews itself to bits.

 

Other than that, Happy motoring! And congrats and/or sorry on going through the big D.