I'm a complete gear head, yet I didn't know anything about Subaru's (especially my second gen) until I was actually given the car by my friends dad. Then, I slowly discovered the awesomeness. My car has held up SO much better than I could have ever imagined. I even drove around for about 4 months with blown head gaskets before I finally replaced them. I also completely agree with what you say about the styling and build quality, inside and out. Also, for what it is, it is such a smooth riding comfortable car and is surprisingly quiet inside at speed.
THIS, although I prefer it's placement over a center console location. I would alway knock a drink over if that was the case. Plus, it looks cleaner in it's design.