NachaLuva
Product Developer
My niece is buying her first Subie 
She's got 2 on her shortlist (still looking at others too), a '99 GT and a '03 X, both 4EATs.
https://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12272747
https://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12564318
Can anyone give any advice on these? I know the EJ25 turbo is a hell of an engine, but what about the EJ20 turbo? Reliability is a big point.
She will be using it for canoeing and bushwalking trips, so while not "offroading" as such, it will be loaded up with kayaks, gear, plus 3-4 passengers...ie a LOT of weight! Some of the tracks do get steep and slippery.
The owner of the '03 has said he will get the timing belts done first (a sweetener), even though its not quite due yet (181010km). She's not sure if the '99 has had them done yet, although they should be (207000km).
I'm going to look at them with her. I know some things to look for, like CVs clicking while turning, auto slow to engage, exhaust deposits, etc. But what else should I look for? Esp with the turbo? How do I check its wear?

She's got 2 on her shortlist (still looking at others too), a '99 GT and a '03 X, both 4EATs.
https://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12272747
https://www.carpoint.com.au/all-cars/dealer/details.aspx?R=12564318
Can anyone give any advice on these? I know the EJ25 turbo is a hell of an engine, but what about the EJ20 turbo? Reliability is a big point.
She will be using it for canoeing and bushwalking trips, so while not "offroading" as such, it will be loaded up with kayaks, gear, plus 3-4 passengers...ie a LOT of weight! Some of the tracks do get steep and slippery.
The owner of the '03 has said he will get the timing belts done first (a sweetener), even though its not quite due yet (181010km). She's not sure if the '99 has had them done yet, although they should be (207000km).
I'm going to look at them with her. I know some things to look for, like CVs clicking while turning, auto slow to engage, exhaust deposits, etc. But what else should I look for? Esp with the turbo? How do I check its wear?