I had a 1982 GL wagon that I bought for $1200 with 100K miles on it, and drove for 8 years before I sold it for $1000 with 215K miles. Had to replace the water pump and the CV joints during that time, otherwise just routine maintenance.
Great little car. 1.8L, 4-speed, 4WD but not enough ground clearance to do much offroad, good in snow and ice. Not all that fast, of course, but it would get 30-32 mpg at 65 mph forever.
Mine was like that but no 4 wheel drive and maybe a 1983 or so that I got used around 1993 or 4, loved it, I started my little plumbing business with that car which felt awkward since I charged the same prices as the biggest company in town, but it got me started.
Yeah, the Subie’s CV joints tend to be a weak point - but they are not the only mfgr. to have it. My old Mazda MX-3 had the same fail too.
Still, my biggest complaint about the Gen 3 Outbacks is lack of cockpit space, esp. if the rear seats are occupied - and I’m not a big guy.