should i buy an outback or forester?

Probably nothing to worry about in the "first year redesign" of the Outback -- it's all sheet metal. The engine and tranny continue from the older car. I've always thought the Forester was for looks only: it's intended to be an SUV, while the Outback claimed to be a crossover. I think Outback is more bang for the buck -- considerably more car for a few dollar more.

The Outback is bigger, especially with the new design. Check on the price difference for 2010; it used to be small potatoes. I've never heard any complaints about rattles on any Subies, except my own complaint about old catalytic converter heat shields (not that big a deal). I own a 1997 Outback and a 2008 Outback. I owned an older Impreza. I've loved every Subie I've ever bought, and bought them all new. My 1997 now has 140,000 miles on the odometer. It's a great car.

Have you considered the Outback Sport? It's an imprezza platform based, high clearance sedan or hatch. Less expensive than the turbocharged cars, and I think Impreza sedans are great cars. The increased room of a Legacy sedan isn't that much. You'll save several thousand dollars with the smaller Impreza, and can have the transmission -- 5 speed or 4 speed auto -- of your choice.

If you want more room than an Impreza then you have to go with the Outback or Legacy. The forester is built on the Impreza platform so there may be a little more ground clearance but the inside is pretty much identical except for the slightly higher roof.

Outback. Runs better on good roads, less fuel cons.

actually i think you should buy a Subaru impreza. it has plenty of space inside, it's fast, affordable, and looks great