Subaru Forester buying advice please

[anarki]

Hi, with the prospect of my Puma being a write off after being rear ended last week, I'm considering buying a Forester, I've always wanted one and now seems like a good time to tick it off of my bucket list of cars to own.

I've read up on them, done what I feel is enough research and wanted a few last minute pointers of things to look out for before going out to look at a few?

I'm after an XT model, pre March 2006 if possible (due to VED price change) manual preferred but will go for an Auto if the right one comes along. Not bothered about any extras.

The two issues I've read up on that can be quite scary are:

1) Head gasket failure on the 2.5 engine
2) Self leveling rear suspension failure

How common are the two above issues and how can I easily identify either when looking at Foresters?

Thanks.

[anarki]

Thanks for the replies guys,

All the stars aligned and a perfect one popped up for sale over the weekend, I went and had a look, test drove it and a deal was done then and there.

2004 Blue/Sliver two-tone 2.0 XT with 73k on the clock, electric everything, heated seats, massive sunroof, etc. Very good condition with decent history. A little few scuffs here and there but nothing major.

Really enjoying it so far, I'm going to be putting in a new double-din android headunit this weekend to bring it up to date (Hands free, NAV, etc), no other mods planned yet.