Just wanted to follow up. I decided to take my chances on the 2.5 motor and bought a 2004 Legacy 35th Anniversary today. With the amount of money I had to put down, the difference between the Legacy and the the H6 made the OB 50% more money financed than the Legacy. Just too much difference for a less comfortable riding car. I really want to pay this off in two years, and can quite easily now. I called my insurance company and got quotes then ran the numbers on gas, and found that the difference in cost for gas/insurance in addition to the price is significant.

 

I took a really bumpy road that's in lousy shape that I have to drive regularly home from the dealer, and it was smoothed out nicely by the Legacy's suspension. I've got my fingers crossed that I won't have major problems. Wish me luck.

 

Reading the hybrid thread and doing research makes me think this may be the last gasoline powered car I ever buy. When premium is $10/gal and 87 is $8.50 I'll be darn happy to pay for that head gasket replacement.

 

BTW it was raining cats and dogs for the drive home and darn if that Subaru didn't hold the road with the kind of confidence that my Quattro always gave me.

Consider the extended warranty for peace of mind.

I considered it, but the extended warrantee is far too pricey for me.

I think Subaru should "give" an extended warranty with the purchase of each new car with the 2.5L engine. It sure would inspire confidence if Subaru would go out on a limb a little, and not the consumer. Owners of 2000-2002 models are being given the 8 year / 100,000 mile warranty when adding the coolant conditioner. New cars with basically the exact same engine should have the same warranty.