jbroox

I have been looking at buying a 1998 to 2000 Outback as a run-around-town car. I currently have a newer Durango big enough for the family and trips, but wanted something to get better mpg around town. I previously owned a Camry that I bought new in 1991 that my daughter now drives -- 175,000 miles and in perfect shape. I was looking at possibly buying another Camry, but was intrigued by the Outback because of the AWD since I live in Michigan. And Consumer Reports identified it as a “good bet” for a used vehicle. But then I started doing some research online and began seeing all the horror posts about the 2.5L engine and the head gasket issues. Is this a huge issue that will affect all Outbacks, or isolated? Is there something that can prevent problems, or is in inevitable? What percentage of vehicles have experienced the problem? I’d plan on driving it until it dies, but was hoping to get 200,000+ miles out of one. Is that realistic without the huge expense of a head gasket or engine replacement? I’m hoping for a reliable car that will get me around town with as little out-of-pocket expenses as possible – which is what I’ve enjoyed with my Camry all these years. Any advice from you Subaru owners? I’d appreciate your input before I make a decision. Jay