ok I need a new car my daily is taking a dump .... I have pretty much come down to a subaru .. seems to be what I want but looking for cheap-ish but still good and reliable ... so with that said are there years / models to avoid and how many miles on a subaru is too many ?

What model are you looking for?

Zach

outback wagon or forester -- base models or just above .. NA engines --- unless there are better ones someone suggests

beware of pre 2000 subaru 4 cam 2.5L engines.
the head gaskets are timebombs, which is why they are so cheap.

Go for a 2002 or newer 2.5L twin cam.

All the above and I would stay away from WRX's.

Kids buy 'em and beat the Sh&t out of them.

I have a Outback sport (think imprezza wagon).

It is nice but I would like a little more room. I'll be buying the bigger outback next time.

I'd get a WRX so if something happened, you can always take the engine out and put it your 914

nice...

The 2.0 engines are pretty bulletproof. The mechanic that I know at the local dealership says if you don't abuse them, the only repairs they ever need is an oil pump seal and spark plugs every 100,000 miles, and timing belts every 60K-80K .
I've put 80K on my WRX with only 1 problem, 2 radiators failed within the first 20K.