Have there been any road tests or evaluations?

I looked at my brakes and I see this:
http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/2300127/ (front passenger side)
How do I read the wear status of the pad? Or, how do I know when to replace
the pad?

Starting about a month ago, my "engine area" squeaks like mad for about
a minute after I start my engine.   I am under the impression this is
the result of something not right with the power steering.
Also, if I am parallel parked and have to do tight steering while

Is it an easy job to get the double din unit out of a '96 Legacy GT...
I'm assuming that I can ditch the factory unit and put a better one
fairly easily ?

I sustained a small chip on the wood trim around the transmission
shift.  Any suggestions as to how to repair or cover it without
purchasing an entire wood trim kit?  Thanks.

Intermittently I hear what sounds like a rattle or maybe squeaking plastic. I finally located it after searching for months. when I apply slight pressure exactly on top of the instrument panel it disappears. Every time I take it to the dealer it doesn't happen when they take it ...

I recently had a bad miss in my 02 Forester 2.5. I first thought maybe
a fuel filter or water. I replaced fuel filter, air filter, plugs and
a couple bottles of dry gas. Check engine light went out and ran fine
for 2 days about 500 miles. Now it acts the same won`t pick up under