Looking for a cheap reliable winter beater...hows the 02/03 Legacy sedan? (Base 2.5L, Auto trans)

Looking for sedan only. Not interested in wagons/hatchbacks since i never need the extra cargo capacity and there uglier

 

FWIW, Consumer Reports says the Legacy didn't become "very reliable" until the 2005 model year.

 

did these have head gasket problems like the late 90's ones?

 

The head gasket issue was solved. Just be sure the timing belt is in good shape (changed around 80K Miles). I have friends here with 2001 models. They love it (but they are the turbo 2L).