Forester buying advice

[scooters]

Hi all. After a bit of guidance/help if possible please. We are looking out for a small 4x4 and the forester seems to fit the bill. Price wise we are looking to spend approximately 8k on something and have narrowed our search down to the 2.5 forester circa 2007 IHS as a candidate. Now we (read wife) wants an auto as it will mainly be used for the school run etc so seems to make sense. I've done a bit if Internet trawling to try to gen up on these things but thought it would also be an idea to ask the ph gurus for some help.
1. What is the best spec to have
2. Are they as reliable as they seem to be and what is servicing like?
3. Real world mpg mixed driving. Is 25 ish about right?
4. Are there any Indys for servicing in the glos area
5. Is buying private a no no and if so are there any specialists who are worth contacting? (Don't want import)
6. Any other help that you feel like giving

Many thanks in advance

[scooters]

Thanks ll for your comments. Does super unleaded have to be used for these cars and also , does the pop pack make much of a difference on an auto car. Thanks