Forester or outback

[egor110]

Looking at getting a forester or legacy as a winter get around.

I used to have a gtb so not totally new to subrau's that died from a knackered bottom end though.

I'm looking at the non turbo forester only thing that slightly puts me off is it's the same 2.0 engine my gtb had are they as prone to failing big ends or does not having any turbos mean there not as stressed?

Also looking at legacy outbacks both 2.5 and 3.0, is it just blowing head gaskets on these i need to look out for?

I'm guessing it's going to be cheaper to replace a blown head gasket than a bottom end if the worse happens?

[Ed.]

I used to have a 99 forester turbo and now have a 01 Legacy outback 3.0. Both are a little top heavy and lean in the corners but it seems better controlled in the legacy. The forester is shorter and more agile whereas the legacy smoother, more comfortable and quieter. I haven't had any problems with either engines though the forester had some rattles, the H6 is meant to be reliable sounds nice above 4k.

[74merc]

I've never heard of the 3.0 litre engine blowing head gaskets. It likes a drink but behaves itself otherwise.