Subaru Repair: Want to Buy 96 to 99 Outback but concerned about engine problems, head gasket, failure rate

Question
Consumer Reports warns about head gasket and engine problems with these cars. What years are the safest and at what mileage level do they occur before you can feel that the car probably won't have these issues (100k; 150k; 200k, etc). Also is there a way to determine if the car has a higher risk of the problem which can be diagnosed. And it the problem occurs, does the engine need to be replaced or just the gasket and if so what is the typical cost

Answer
Frank,

Way too much is made of the head gasket thing.  And some how other car makers seem to get a pass with a much higher failure rate.

Any ways the aprox cost is $1600.00 add to that some money foe timing belt water pump if done at the same time.