Looking to buy a Subaru Outback...?

I go to school in Utah. The Outback seems like a great car to fit my needs for the snow and all the outdoor activities I participate in. However, I've heard and read about the head gasket problem that occurs in the outbacks/foresters up to about 2005 I believe.. I'll be buying used and with my college budget, probably older than a 2005. Any suggestions or opinions about this problem? I want to buy, but if my car will have a head gasket issue, that worries me.