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2008 Subaru Liberty GT Tuned by STI review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 25 Jun 2025
Very limited technology was available. Like many passionate owners, I upgraded from the generic sound system, while Harman/Kardon is the high-end option. The speakers very easily overloaded, leading to the 'umbrella' speaker, or very little output, most likely just due to the age the the system/car, which is why many people upgraded.The in-built media system didn't come with GPS stock but was offered as an upgrade from factory. Like always, the system updates stopped. This was when Android Auto and Apple CarPlay started to enter 10+ years later. As a sedan I've learnt that they're not the most practical cars, but I was able to fit many things in from Bunnings. Unfortunately, this often required taking off the packaging, but still able to fit things. The boot was absolutely useless.Never buy a sedan again, always opt for wagon or hatchback. A car to be driven and driven to the limit. The upgrades with the STI model haVE most definitely hit all the right spots. An absolute pleasure to drive on road and off-road. I've driven around on dirt around Wisemans Ferry (the other side) completely feeling in control whilst looking out against the Hawkesbury river.The AWD system from Subaru, with a great set of tyres, really does not fault in terrible weather conditions. The combination of slight additional upgrades with STI model made a huge difference. I feel this was the end of an era for Subaru and STi collaboration. Fuel consumption always came down to how you drove and still remains the case with any car now. City versus highway versus spirited driving. This, of course, impacted serving and insurance. Being a safe driver in a location with lower statistics means less cost. Unfortunately, moving closer to the city from outer Sydney saw nearly a double in price.Servicing comes down to modifications - the more you've done the more you're seeing your mechanic. Typically, twice a year I was getting a service done. A stock-as-a-rock car could get away with once a year. Pricing is very consistent with what a new car pricing offers, often actually cheaper. Unfortunately, due to the poor design of EJ25 engine and bay placement, your hit with a big major service, typically due to headgasket requiring engine being pulled from the bay.The engine type and narrow engine bar is why I've been turned off purchasing similar Subaru's again (along with the old headgasket issue), as much as I love the cars. Headgasket, oil, headgasket, oil, headgasket. Seriously, I went from thinking Subarus were the solid OEM after having no problems. All I had was issues on my third (this review), so I didn't purchase another Subaru after this and I most likely wont ever again.
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Watch out, Toyota Camry? MG's sporty sedan detailed!
By Tom White · 18 Jun 2025
Regulatory documents reveal details of the upcoming Camry-rivalling MG7.
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Is a new Subaru WRX on the way?
By Jack Quick · 02 Jun 2025
In Japan Subaru has reportedly detailed plans to unveil a new prototype at this year’s Japan Mobility Show in October.As reported by Japanese publication Best Car Web, it’s speculated this new prototype will preview a new-generation WRX sports car.Subaru even showed off a shadowy picture of what appears to be this new prototype, as reported by Best Car Web.It looks like a WRX with a bonnet scoop and pronounced front and rear spoilers.This new prototype will also reportedly receive a new horizontally opposed (Boxer or flat) engine.At this stage specifications have not been disclosed, although it will reportedly support E20 carbon-neutral fuel.Subaru also reportedly hinted this new Boxer engine will support electrification, either as a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV).Additionally, it’ll come with an “evolved” version of its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that it has been using in the Super Taikyu Series in Japan.This new prototype will reportedly be used for next year’s Fuji 24 Hours race. Subaru has historically used racing as a testing ground for developing its future technologies and products, much like Toyota.“We want to value customers who choose Subaru,” said Subaru Chief Technology Officer Tetsuo Fujiniki to Best Car Web when translated from Japanese to English.“We will continue to make cars that will help them do so.”At this stage it’s unclear if this new Boxer powertrain will eventually lead to a new WRX STI.The current-generation Subaru WRX was unveiled in 2021 and launched locally during 2022. It’s the first generation to be available without an STI performance flagship.Subaru did however reveal the S210 prototype earlier this year, noting it as the “pinnacle of the STI complete cars”. It’s likely not going to be sold outside of Japan, however.
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Mercedes-Benz classes explained
By Stephen Corby · 26 May 2025
The difference between Mercedes classes is methodical and distinctly German, devised to distinguish Mercedes car models by size and purpose.
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Australia's best used sedans
By Stephen Ottley · 26 May 2025
Like music and fashion, the types of cars we drive tend to evolve with each generation. We are currently living in the age of the SUV, but for much of the 20th century, Australians loved the sedan.
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2017 Peugeot 508 GT review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 22 May 2025
Safety features include electronic stability control, hill holder, electronic brake force distribution, entry/exit puddle lamps, a blind-spot sensor, park distance (front/rear), parking assistance (graphical display), a reversing camera, central locking - remote/keyless, engine immobiliser, tyre-pressure monitoring and alarm. Multimedia features include AM/FM radio with nine speakers, CD/DVD player, steering wheel controls, auxiliary input USB socket, MP3 decoder, Bluetooth controls, a 7-inch multi-function colour touchscreen, and speed-dependent volume stereo. Ooh la la! This flagship Peugeot sashays onto the scene with a spacious, comfortable interior. Plush, grey, Nappa leather seats with a massage function for the lucky driver that whisper joie de vivre. Rear window and passenger blinds provide protection from the sun or gazing eyes. Touch controls on the steering wheel and a colour touchscreen - magnifique! The boot is spacious and contains a full-size spare tyre. You can experience the essence of France with this full-size Peugeot 508 four-door sedan, a car so luxurious and French it almost whispers sweet nothings in a Parisian accent. Forget sensible and boring Japanese or German cars. This flagship Peugeot sashays onto the scene with a certain je ne sais quoi. Cruise down the boulevard (or your local high street), turning knowing heads with every sophisticated curve. Inside, it’s a veritable chateau of comfort and style. The driving experience? Mon ami, it is magnifique. It handles with the grace of a French ballet dancer, offering a smooth and refined ride like a leisurely drive through the Loire Valley, while the muscular French turbo-diesel can propel you forward with diesel efficiency and exhilaration. Fuel consumption is exceptional. On a country cruise, expect around 4.5L/100km. With a full tank, a range of over 1200 kms can be achieved. Around town, driving sedately, expect around 6L/00 km. Servicing by a Peugeot dealer is expensive. Parts are not cheap. Non-dealer servicing costs are reasonable but they may lack the software tools for any emissions issues. In day-to-day running, the car is normally very reliable. I've done two long-distance interstate trips and it performed well. However, some early emissions software/hardware issues caused some stress and inconvenience. It's currently on its third Adblue tank because the first two failed (either hardware or software). Like all diesels it does need a regular decent run on a highway or freeway. Just pottering around to the shops every day will not do it good.
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2018 BMW 320i sedan review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 22 May 2025
Multimedia is user-friendly, but a better sound system is needed in a luxury car. More airbags are also needed. There are no emergency brakes. Mouse is handy. Rear cargo does not close automatically. No keyless entry. No wireless charger. No heated seats. No cooled or ventilated seats. No auto-activated wipers. Like nothing else I have driven. Smooth yet sporty. Cool noise from under the bonnet. Amazing acceleration considering it's only 2.0-litre turbo. Gearbox is bliss. Sport mode feels like a beast. Fuel consumption is great. Over 750km range with full tank. Insurance is expensive. SOS call system battery has failed already and was expensive to replace. Servicing is expensive, too. It has done only 17,900 km and so far just the SOS call system battery has failed. Everything else work perfectly, but it's too soon to judge the reliability.
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2002 Ford Falcon SR Forte review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 22 May 2025
The car has ABS brakes, great suspension, airbags and has the original stereo it came out with. It's a very good size car. The back seats fold down and it has a very large boot. It drives very smoothly. It has never broken down on me in the three years I have had it, and the temperature gauge has never even gone close to half way up, even after driving for three hours. Great car. In the three years I have had it, all I have needed to do was get a service and buy a new battery last year, because it still had the original battery in it. Even though I checked the oil and water, I have never had the top up since my service last year. It pains me to say that this is the most reliable car I have ever owned because I am personally a Holden girl, and even though this car has done 347,000km on it, it's still a baby when you think of how many kilometres a Ford can actually do.
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Mercedes-AMG E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ 2025 review: Australian first drive
By James Cleary · 22 May 2025
Mercedes-AMG knows its way around a high-performance sedan and the E53 Hybrid 4Matic+ is its latest, with an impressive plug-in hybrid powertrain delivering huge power without compromising refinement. We've taken a first drive on Australian soil to see if it has what it takes to challenge an icon like the BMW M3.
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2023 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Dynamiq review - Long-term owner
By Owner Review · 21 May 2025
The car has every safety feature. What I find interesting is that insurance companies will insure this car for less than my previous car due to these features. A lady walked across behind the car when I was reversing, it hit brakes before I could. The seats are very comfortable. The driver side is well laid out, with most things easy to find. The voice command feature doesn't work very well. It's just good enough to call someone. The interior lighting is nice especially in the evening.The HUD is an essential feature for me now, as it saves my head checking the speed. It also shows when to turn and what the cruise control is set to.The rear cargo area is fairly big and suits our needs. Can't say I love the automatic opening door, but have worked out I can stop it fully opening when I have a 6m paddling ski on the racks. Hop in the seat and press the 'Start' button to get things going, then confirm your acceptance of driving the vehicle, and then press the settings roller to turn off the annoying 'Speed Limit' warning. Okay, we are good to go and roll out of the garage with warnings going off as we go past posts.Off we go. It's so quiet and comfortable, with a spacious surrounding. The car accelerates when needed instantly. I just love it every time, as there's no lag and no noise. Handling is reasonable with the weight all down low. It is not a sports coupe but a sedan, so I think it is fine. The efficiency of the EV is just amazing. I have really noticed the reduced cost. Charging is mainly done at home, but when charging on a highway run, most times we haven't clashed with others. There is still conversations had as we charged, sharing stories of our EV experience. Insurance has been a real surprise with it being far cheaper than my previous car. Tyres and wiper blades are the main consumables. I just enjoy that as well. It is early days, but to date we haven't had an issue. There have been a few over-the-air updates for screen updates, I think, but not sure what they did. I have been using the ABRP app to workout where to charge and when. This takes all the hard work out of planning a trip.Also, I love the Bluelink app that shows the current status of the car, allows you to remotely lock and unlock, see what is around the car and look at the stats of your drives.
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