If I add a turbo to a 2.5 Forester, can the transmission handle it? Or should I go for a stage 2 tune? The brake pads definitely need to be replaced, but I'm worried the transmission might not handle it, even though Subaru's transmissions are quite strong.

Mazda CX-7 has two versions: a 2.5L naturally aspirated engine and a 2.3T turbocharged one. I'm currently driving the 2.5 version and want to add a turbo. Is it possible to convert it since there is a turbo version available? Does it have more tuning potential compared to other Mazda models? Looking for advice from experts.

Choosing your first performance car is an exciting decision! Here's a brief rundown of your options: 1. **2003 Subaru Impreza STI**: Known for its rally heritage, it's great for all-weather performance and has a strong AWD system. However, it might be older in terms of technology and features. 2. **2013 Toyota 86**: Offers a balanced rear-wheel-drive experience, known for its handling and driving fun. It's a bit less powerful but very engaging to drive. 3. **2014 Ford Fiesta ST**: A fun, nimble, and affordable hot hatch. It's smaller and great for city driving, with a lively turbocharged engine. 4. **2014 Volkswagen Golf GTI**: A well-rounded hatchback that combines performance with practicality. It's comfortable for daily driving and has a strong community and aftermarket support. 5. **2004 Mitsubishi EVO 8**: Another rally-inspired choice, with strong performance and an AWD system similar to the STI. It may require more maintenance due to its age. Your choice should depend on what you value most—whether it's all-wheel-drive performance, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, or a mix of practicality and fun. Also, consider maintenance costs, reliability, and availability of parts for these older models.

How is the quality of Subaru cars? Years ago, I was impressed by a comment from a netizen: "My uncle's Subaru Forester is either at the repair shop or on the way to the repair shop" [cover face]. Of course, many years ago, my uncle also mentioned that the mechanics at their workplace highly recommended the Subaru XV as an excellent car. Now I'm interested in the Subaru Ascent and I'm quite satisfied with it in various aspects (previously had reservations about CVT). However, I'm still uncertain about the quality of the Subaru brand... If Subaru's reliability were like Toyota's, I would definitely go for it without hesitation... My second choice now is the RAV4 Hybrid AWD...

Why do I feel a strong drag when I release the accelerator? Does anyone else experience this? I have a 2024 Forester 2.5 with less than 1000 kilometers. What could be the reason? Looking for advice.

I just bought a Subaru Forester 2.5 naturally aspirated. Is a fuel consumption of 13 with the air conditioning on normal? I would like to ask for advice from experienced users.

If I add a turbo to a 2.5 Forester, can the transmission handle it? Or should I go for a stage 2 tune? The brake pads definitely need to be replaced, but I'm worried the transmission might not handle it, even though Subaru's transmissions are quite strong.

I had been browsing car websites for a while and looked at models like Jetour. When the compact version of the Sportage was released, I was really drawn to its bold design—but once they announced the price, I knew it was out of my budget. So I went back to looking at cars like the Jetta VS5 and BinYue. I wasn’t in a hurry because I was using a friend’s car, but when he moved to another emirate, I had no choice but to buy my own. I consulted with my family and started visiting dealerships. I was planning to go with the Jetta, but at the dealership, I saw the compact Sportage in front of me, tried it out, and really liked it. It felt right, and the price fit my budget, so I went ahead and decided to buy it. After some back-and-forth with the salesman, we closed the deal. I'm 173 cm tall, and the front seat is spacious—I have good headroom—and the back is very comfortable. You can stretch your legs easily, and the trunk space is more than enough. Honestly, it exceeded my expectations. Sound insulation, though, is an issue! Tire noise is noticeable, and if you open the windows, you get a strong wind sound. Even the engine gets loud when you press the gas. Some people mentioned water leaks or strange noises, but I haven’t experienced that so far. I did get a bit of fog inside one of the headlights. I haven’t driven it much yet, but the company gave me six free services over three years, plus a AED 500 workshop voucher. The car has a 2.0L engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission—it’s been smooth and hassle-free so far. The power is enough for me. In sport mode, it responds quickly and drives smoothly. Of course, everyone dreams of a V8, but I like driving calmly—I’m not the type to race off at traffic lights. As for fuel consumption, it’s still too early to judge—I’ve only done about 100 km. The average so far is 10L/100km, and the best I got was 8.1. Some say they’ve managed 5.9, but realistically I think around 7 is more typical. There’s no such thing as a perfect car—just pick what you like and can live with. If the design and features work for you and the price fits your budget, go for it. The most important thing is that you’re comfortable with your choice.

Since I got the car, I’ve driven it a few times on intercity highways and elevated city roads. At first, fuel consumption was quite high — around 12 L/100 km — but after some regular use, it dropped to 7.8. It hasn’t gone any lower since then, even though I’ve only driven about 500 km in less than a month. Honestly, every time I refuel, it stings a little 😅. This is my first car, so I don’t have much to compare it to, but driving feels smooth overall. Once you hit 100 km/h, tire noise becomes noticeable, but throttle response during overtaking is pretty decent. The thing that annoyed me most is the infotainment system. There’s no built-in CarPlay, so I bought an external adapter. While it technically works, Bluetooth is unstable, and the navigation voice won’t come through the car speakers. On top of that, the system randomly activates and starts saying weird things, and the voice assistant sometimes greets you with “Hi” and other times with “I’m here” — honestly, it feels awkward. I’m not sure if all Japanese brands do this, or just this one. As for interior space, the rear seat area is quite good, but the new car smell is still strong, so I’ve thrown in a bunch of charcoal bags to absorb it. Overall, I’m satisfied for a first car, but there are definitely things that could be better.