I don't have alot of experience with the different motors but I bought my 98 Legacy with 112,000 miles five years ago and have done nothing to it but the standard timing belt, water pump replacement at 140,000. I now have 220,000 and it runs perfectly yet, will run it until it dies. This is the 2.2 and I have nothing but praise for this engine. The ground clearance sucks though and I am considering a Forester strut assembly swap to improve ground clearance. I do alot of two tracking and it has gone through way more than I should have asked of it.
Good luck!