2002 subaru impreza outback sport do you recommend?

It's the same 2.5 litre engine as yours. Sorry to hear about your head gasket. I have a 97 Outback with 151,000 miles on the clock. No problems with my engine ... so far. And it neither leaks nor burns a drop of oil between changes.

If you're thinking of buying ANY used car, be sure to check the paper. If there's nothing to show that the car got all of its scheduled oil changes and maintenance, don't buy it. Check the car over very carefully for evidence of repair, and get the Car Fax. Drive it, paying careful attention to engine sounds, steering, braking, etc. Know the condition of tires, battery, belts, hoses, etc. before entering final price negotiations. I'd get a qualified mechanic to look it over too (and not one where you're considering buying the car).

A word about oil. There are peoople, even some mechanics, who'll tell you oil doesn't matter. They're wrong. I have only run a high quality semi-synthetic oil in my Outbacks, Valvoline Dura-Blend, to be specific. I bought both of them new (the other one is a 2008), and together I've got 225,000 miles of experience with this 2.5 litre engine. NO PROBLEMS whatsoever with the engines (or transmissions).