[cat5]

Bought an 04 Forester XT with AT in May and have not had any of the problems reported.
Very smooth and great acceleration. Not so great on the MPG of course with the turbo. But I consider this a trade-off getting the excellent accel and AWD.
I had been driving a Ford Exploder (Explorer) 94 with AT until I bought the Subie. Love this car. Great handling in rain and all condx. Can't wait for the snow!!
Exploder couldn't handle well in sloppy condx until I used 4X4, and being that this was not an AWD or full time 4X4 (95 Exploder did go to full time 4X4), I had to deal with RWD in most condx.

Several of my co-workers have the Forester (but not turbo) and have not had any problems with trannies either.
I am bit unsettled about Subaru telling you that your problem is "normal" and that they are not going to repair the car.
Makes me glad that I purchased Xtended Warranty 6yrs full coverage.

Maybe writing a letter direct to Subaru America would get you some satisfaction?