What to do?

[Rembly]

Hey guys, I have a little bit of Subaru dilemma. I’m the proud owner of 1991 auto legacy wagon with 175k miles. Recently problems have arisen. The exhaust smells really rich and it seems to be burning gas (losing a mile or two to the gallon recently). furthermore, the transmission has begun to slip. (Which isn’t the end of the world) I imagine I get still get a few years out of it, maybe 30k-50k miles. Sometimes the transmission gets stuck in forth gear and I have to pull over and the engine dies or throw it in neutral. Than back into drive while still moving (this only helps half the time). For me, this is a huge safety hazard because I have to power at low speeds in forth gear. It’s also just a pain in the ass. Other problems include: no AC and no cruise control. Im sure you all know the AC is R12 and theres nothing I can do besides replace the entire system (a 1000$ I would never spend) And the cruise control is a shot vacuum of some sort. Both these problems aren’t a big deal, but its nice to have AC and cruise control when you need them. It’s even nicer to have a smooth shifting tranny. Which brings me to the point of this post: what should I do? I have about 3000$ in the bank and will have another 2 or 3 over the summer. I want a new subee or a new tranny. I want your guys input on what I should do? Selling the car is pretty much out of the question (total title) would never get enough money for it to be worth selling.
Pros of the car: strong engine, new CV joints and engine seals. Regularly changed oil. 3 sets of tires and two sets of wheels.

[mike-tracy]

I say start saving for a newer car, and perhaps keep this one as a beater/runaround/second car.

[Legacy777]

I'd agree with Mike and try and find a newer used subie. The first gen legacies are good cars, but they are certainly showing their age and will require time and money to keep up on all the maintenance.

[Rembly]

Sound words of advice, I was hoping that would be the response.
I very fond of the 1997-99 GT wagons body style, I don't know all that much about the quality of the vehicle. but of course I trust Subaru to make a good car and I would do my research before buying one. How do you guys feel about them?

[mike-tracy]

Headgaskets will blow, they don't have too many weak points besides that.

[Rembly]

solid tranny?

[mike-tracy]

reliable so long as they had their fluids changed on time, it were talking autos. The manuals are as reliable as dirt. The fact that they have a near as makes no difference 100% headggasket failure rate is the biggest concern. Dont buy one withoit documentation that it has been done!

[Rembly]

whats wrong with the manual?