1998 Subaru Forester Engine stalls at idle

Engine Performance problem
1998 Subaru Forester 4 cyl All Wheel Drive Manual 145000 miles

"The engine starts up fine and drives fine. However, recently when I push in the clutch when coming to a stop at a red light or when turning into a parking spot, the engine will just die. I now have an engine light on too.

Can you help? "

You are loosing engine pressure, which is causing your car to die. This is caused by a faulty head gasket. Generally, gaskets should be replaced every 100k (or 100,000 miles) Replacing gaskets is just part of normal engine maintenance.
The job its self is not pricey, its the labor charge that is expensive. If you do the job your self it will be much much cheaper, but I hear Pep Boys has the best prices on that job.
Look to see if you have any white smoke coming from you exhaust. Start your car and leave it in neutral, you can rev you engine while standing out side of your car with the door open. (That way you can see better)
When the gasket goes, sometimes oil and coolant will leak in to the engine, causing white smoke. But I've got to worn you, it is common to blow a head gasket without having any signs of it at all. In these cases, people generally drive the car without knowing the gasket is gone. If you drive with a blown head gasket the whole engine will go, and that will be a far more expensive job then the alternative.

That is what I think, keep asking around though

Good luck, hope that helps sum.