I have a 98 subaru legacy sus limited and have a few issues my main one right now is it strugglin starting. Seems to take longer than it should and sometimes sputters before starting.also sometimes when starting there is a loud thump under gear shift between the seats from under the car??? Thump happens right as car is starting and it sputters a bit then a thump or two and then fine!!!

Clunk or thump under the car could be a worn out or broken transmission mount. Could also be the exhaust hitting the bottom of the car which would be because of a bent pipe or broken exhaust hanger.

 

Way too many things that can cause hard starting.

How many miles are on the car?

When was the last time it had a tune-up?

Just had cam seals and timing belt....around 160 000 i think

What about plugs, wires, air and fuel filters, PCV valve?