40pacemaker

Hi, new to this board, I'm thinking about buying a 2000 - 03 subie, what is the differance between a forester and outback, I know the Outback is larger and that they have the same drivetrain, 1 question is the seating height of the Outback the same as the Forester, also is the ground clearance the same and what is it. been reading alot about HG failure, is that a 1 time fix, I've been looking @ a 2001 Forester S with 115k, for 8k dealer said the mech, checked the TB and it looked ok, no service records, what's your thoughts. Thanks, Jim