l recently picked up a '98 impreza 2.5rs with 83,400 or so miles on it. Everything looks great on it, but l can tell its been sitting around for awhile. When l try to crank it, the engine just wont crank up. It gets close at times with a couple fires, but then that is it. Also l noticed something odd later, some oil it seems spurted out of the muffler. Not much, but noticeable. Any idea's? Thanks!

get it to the dealer. get service done.

Could be a bad head gasket leak and the fluid in the cylinders is not allowing it to ignite. Pull the spark plugs to see if they are wet or fowled up.

Sounds like its time for an inspection/diagnostic brah. (If the plugs are not wet/fouled) Tow that beautiful piece of machinery to your local authorized Subie dealer, or sell it to me. :)