gearhead2002

OK, thanks guys, info is helping:)

Thanks, pretty sound reasoning:)

I'm looking at buying a Subie and am discouraged by the mileage and head gasket issues with the legacy and outbacks with the 2.5. I like the Impreza Outback Sport though, and it seems the 2.2 is a pretty bulletproof mill, what are your experiences? MPG? Reliability? Driveability? Manual or Auto? Why? Drawbacks overall? Any help would be great.

OK, so I am looking at Subies for all of the usual reasons (AWD, decent mileage, reputation as bulletproof). However, after surfing these forums a little, I getting a bit freaked out about Subies, especially the 96-99 Outback 2.5's (which happen to be the ones I can afford). Between the head gasket problems (which I should factor into the price of the purchase according to many posts here), crappy fuel mileage (20mpg sucks, I could've kept my truck), and other issues, I'm wondering what the hell should I be looking for! I still want AWD, good mileage and space for junk, but I won't tolerate massive problems. I'm a custom car builder and just recently sold my rodded 58' Willys Wagon because it was too expensive to drive, now I want a vehicle I can just drive and not worry about, plus get some economy. I've been looking at low mile(around 70,000mi) 96'-99 Legacy's and OBW, and also higher mile (100,00-11500mi) 200-2002 Wagons. Which would be a better bet? Would it be better to get something, regardless of year, that is high miles but has the heads, timing belt, water pump, etc. replaced already? If I buy something with 75000 miles, am I gonna get slapped with a ton of maintenece costs in a year or two (100000 mi).? This place is a great resource, and I value your opinions since you know Subies:) Thanks for any help