So im purchasing a 2001 Legacy GT Limited on monday and im currious what common issues there may be to look out for. Its a manual 5spd with about 168k. I understand the 2.5 is known for head gasket issues, but beyond that im not sure. My subaru experience is mostly with the older 80's models

Head gaskets at 168K are most likely already changed ... if not they will need it.  Timing belt and idlers are due or over due . If gaskets and timing set were changed  it is important to know when , who did it and more important to know if O.E. parts or high quality Japanese parts were  used . It is an interference motor so those parts must be up to the job or bent valves will be in the future. Other than that , check or change every fluid, replace filters, Wheel bearings should be checked (they don't always wiggle when bad) Brakes ,pads and the calipers should be checked to see that they are sliding properly. 

Timing components - belt, pulleys, and tensioner need replaced.  Interference engine so if it breaks they usually bend valves.

Torque bind - requires replacing the center diff.

 

And headgaskets of course.  If they're the original OEM installed gaskets they almost always start by leaking externally.

Subaru requires Subaru Coolant Conditioner in the coolant of that engine to mitigate external coolant leaks.  Not a bad idea to change coolant and add the conditioner (it's like $2.50).

Probably also a good idea to change the spark plugs. You just don't know how long they have been in use, unless you have complete service records on the car. Your car sounds like a good one. Enjoy!

Rooster2, its honestly the first time ive been excited to buy a car lol. Nearly tge exact car ive been wanting, early 2000's legacy, manual with i was hoping the h6, but that seems uncommon in the sedans.

Anyways, general maintenance is simple. I like to 'reset' the maintenance cycles for the simple stuff whenever i get a car. Probably after that, the first big thig ill to is struts all around. The car is leaning back weird. Front has like 4 inches clear above the tire to the arch and the back has less than 2 inches clear and it feels bouncy like the shocks are going out. Easy fix and not worried about alignment because its off a bit already.

grossgary; torque bind? Im not sure i know what that is. Acting like a 4wd instead of awd im guessing?

If the car is leaning back, you may need to replace the springs as well.

The struts ((shocks), on their own, only dampen vibrations.

It's the springs that set the height.

 

And I agree 100% with your plan to 'reset' the maintenance cycles. Good plan.

Forester2002s, thats the plan. Replacing the full strut and spring assemblys, not just the shock portion. I had an 88 gl that was doing the same thing but way worse but just never got around to doing it.

On the strut replacements, anyone have any input on the quality of sensen products? Oreilys has front monroe complete struts but not rear, but i can find both front and rear sensen complete struts at autozone. And id rather not have to wait 1-2 months for them to ship if i order from amazon

Read up online, but I've read good things about Sensen, and there are usually struts and/or full assemblies (just bolt-on) avl. on Ebait. Not so much good about Monroe...but that may no longer be true.

 

Search on Torque Bind, too. The center diff wears out and does like what you stated...more full-time 4x4 than AWD....but not as common on 5-speeds.

 

For the record there were NO H6 + 5-speed manual from Subaru (in the USA @ least). And only the Outback (wagon and sedan) had the H6  as an option (depending on trim) from 2001-2004, I believe.

 

GL,

Td