Subaru Repair: which years to avoid, head gasket problem, head gasket failure

Question
I'd like to purchase an early to mid 90's Outback, but I'm hearing a lot about overheating and bad head gaskets.  Can you tell me which years and engines seem to have this problem?  Do you recommend a particular year/engine?

Answer
The 1996 Outback with a manual transmission has a 2.2L engine that does not normally have the as much of a head gasket problem. The 1996 Outback with an automatic transmission and the 1997-1999 Outbacks all have the 2.5L DOHC engine that seems to have a higher rate of head gasket failure. In general, I would say that these Subaru's do not have a head gasket problem; but, if they have a problem, the head gasket is a more common problem. I hope that didn't sound like double talk.

Most high mileage Subaru's we talk about here have a problem; but, most high mileage Subaru's don't have a problem.

All that said, I would only buy an older Subaru if the price was right enough to cover head gaskets if they fail.

Zeke