The car has done around 130,000 miles, so not too many miles, but enough for something to have failed like that.
I think checking the spark plugs on a boxer engine like this will be a bit beyond my ability, I han barely get my hand anywhere near the spark plugs especially on the right hand side of the engine. When i get time i will have to get it to a mechanic to check out, but im guessing whatever it is, it will be expensive.
To be honest I'm thinking about just running the car until it gives up, and meanwhile saving money to get a much newer outback or forrester. If an old car is going to cost me at the mechanic every couple of months, that money could go towards monthly payments of a nearly new car that shouldn't go wrong any time soon.