2 weeks ago I bought an 03 Baja. I knew that it needed HG when I purchased it. I think that I got it for a good price. I will be reading in USMB how to make my repairs

Good to see another Baja here.  Mine has head gasket seep too, but I have not changed them yet.

I hear that the head gaskets on the 2.5s are a bit of a problem. Head gasket choice is key, and the cheap ones (eBay) should be avoided... My question is, what are the recommended replacements? Is there a cometic gasket for them? Maybe a thin film of "the right stuff"? I know a guy that swears by that stuff, not used on Subarus though..

Don't put any sealer on a gasket, ever. Especially on a head gasket.

 

The only time you should use a liquid gasket in addition to an actual gasket is when there is two pieces of metal that meet and form a split in the gasket surface. And even then its just a tiny dab to ensure the seam is sealed.

 

Everyone has different preferences on HGs. A lot of guys on this site will say something about turbo engines HGs. I've never used them so i don't have experience with them.

 

I've only ever used OEM gasket and Fel-Pro. Both of which work fine provided the procedure was done correctly.

No I didn't mean use the right stuff with a gasket, but by itself. My friend used it solely on a Chevy 350 for his mud buggy and it never leaked. Never heard of anyone else doing it though...