. While at the dealership on the weekend I also picked up a battery for it and installed it today; it works now! CR1620 batteries are sold out everywhere I checked but the dealer and more expensive than the bushings . I've lost track but I think it's 7-0 for me, so far.Looks pretty good for the price! That’s a capable DD for sure.
2.0L? Yes, @IndyIan suggested YT for solenoid issues as well, so thank you. Surprisingly, the front strut assemblies and hub bearings were the only good components remaining on the front end.
, worst possible timing as I had an appointment scheduled at the Subaru dealership the next morning (today). A scan revealed P2100 - Throttle Actuator Control Motor Circuit/Open. I reset the CEL in the Subaru parking lot this morning and crossed my fingers. I received a call a few hours later that my car was ready for pick up, all done! I'm happy with how this project has turned out so far
. Thanks for all the suggestions and I'll follow up with CEL should it return.
. Next, I moved over to the CVT, to check the diff fluid . Then, while under the vehicle checking my previous work, I noticed the pinch bolt for one of the ball joints I previously replaced, was not fully secured and as I secured it, I cracked the spindle AND snapped the pinch bolt all in one shot, by over tightening it . I ordered a used one locally. The only silver lining here, the wheel bearing on that side was starting to make noise and was planning to replace it soon. Hopefully, the wreckers don't cut the ABS sensor harness on the replacement spindle. The worst part about all this, I was so careful when I removed those pinch bolts initially, when replacing the ball joints with lots of heat and anti-seize going back in, I even used a torque wrench to prevent braking them. I'm so mad at myself .
In order to receive a new ball joint with a pinch bolt included a MOOG was necessary; suprisingly the white box ball joint didn't include it and COO was Turkey. The car is now back on the road after one week and the wheel bearing noise is gone too. 
There’s a lot of urban myths in your statement. 160k is nothing for an N/A EJ25, I’ve personally had 4 on the far side of that number without issue other than a little oil weeping. The HG issue is largely contained to the ‘98-2000, and much lower incidence after around 2006. The CVT is a concern in the early years and I’ve never had one of those, but hopefully the used unit is in good shape. Rust on undercarriage is a concern especially in northern states, but it appears OP is replacing a majority of components. Use factory reman green CV axles for best luck; aftermarkets are usually a crapshoot.
Probably wouldn't hurt if you don't know when it was last changed. I think the subaru fluid is the best choice still?
When the used transmission was installed, about 16k Kms ago, in December of 2021.
