gavran8

Hi guys, I'm the original poster, and so, based on my criteria, I should be looking for: 1996-2005 Subaru, Automatic, with the 6 cyl engine.... Does this sound about right?

I'm an avid outdoorsman and I've finally decided to switch over from a 19 year old Acura and move to a Subaru and need some serious help. I have an acquaintance who goes to many car auctions that only dealer can go to and is going to pick out a subaru for me after I tell him exactly what I want. I know I want an Outback Wagon, but I want to know what are the best years and which options to choose which to avoid. Reliability is very important to me because I plan to keep the car for a long time. What are the best, most reliable years for outbacks, I heard the 1996 Outback with a 2.2 engine is really great and also the post 2003's with 4 cyl engines are really solid. What other engine years and models are solid? Are there any subaru engines/years to avoid? I would like an automatic transmission, what years should i look for? Are the 6 cyl engines as reliable as the 4 cyl ones? How much better gas mileage to the 4 cyl engines get compared to the 6 cyl engines? I am 6ft 1inches, do any years have more headroom than others? Are any model years safer for collisions than others? Any options on the car I should avoid? Thanks in advance for the help, it is sincerely appreciated!!! -gavran8 "Subaru Virgin"