i am looking at a 98 legacy 2.5gt that the owner said will need a headgasket. when i asked how he knew all he said was he saw bubbles in the reservoir at high rpms. i tried searching to make sure thats what it was but i never got a definitive answer. basically i am asking what else that could mean and also what else to have him look at for me to make sure its just the headgasket or thermostat, etc. before i make the trip to purchase this car. thanks for the help guys.

I would have to second the notion. If there were ambient air trapped in the cooling system, it should stop bubbling before long, and be somewhat inconsistent. I can't think of where else, other than the motor's internals, that air could come from in steady supply.

Are there no other symptoms? Typically exhaust in the coolant will overheat fairly quickly.

thats all he said. im planning on calling him tomorrow and asking if there is anything built up on the head where it could be leaking out and if there is a sweet smell from the exhaust. any others things to ask would be greatly appreciated subarnooner.