I previously owned a 1999 Outback wagon that I sold to my son.
I was very happy with it except for the anemic power it provided in the mountains around Salt Lake City and Utah. I love the new model with the 250 horsepower and lots of torque.
The sport shift is fun and usable in the real world when you want to keep the rpm high so the turbo is ready when you want instant power. The leather seats are a huge improvement in the old cloth with a feeling of security and comfort on quick manuvers. I have about 1000 miles on it so far without any problems.