The principle issue with these is that they aren't especially good 4WD's. They're OK, but they have significant limitations that were basically designed in to make them better road cars.
The front suspension has a bush that places the bolt in a vertical axis. This is common road car practice but it significantly restricts lift (to ~40mm)
Suspension articulation is poor and from that I've seen comparing vehicles on a flex ramp adding suspension lift significantly reduces articulation.
The traction control (if fitted) is poorly calibrated, requiring excessive wheelspin to engage, leading to the driver being forced to travel too quickly in cross-axle conditions, making the vehicle difficult to control, especially with a manual transmission. There are few options for traditional locking differentials to overcome this problem. I am aware of an ARB air locker being adapted to a new shape GV, but I believe it was a very expensive (and one-off) exercise.
I think the outstanding problems of the timing chain guides with earlier versions of the H series motor had been overcome by 2007 - I wouldn't expect to find the car less reliable than an equivalent japanese road car of the age/km, unless it's evident that the car has done much offroad work.
They're a good looking, comfortable and well made vehicle, just be aware that it's offroad ability is not significantly greater than the forester you have now, and the scope to improve it is limited. If that's not a problem for you go for your life.
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