Just got a 2004 Forester - Wondering about upgrades

[tcervo]

Hi...I'm new to the board, and new to Subaru's. I've ridden in many, but this is the first I've owned. I took advantage of the $2000 factory incentive on 2004 models, talked them down to $200 over dealer invoice, for a net of $1800 below dealer invoice on a 2004 Forester XS. Sweet!

 

Now, though, I'm already thinking about all the upgrades I'd like to do, and was looking for feedback (is each one worth it or not...) Any advice would be appreciated. Here's what I'm considering (just not all at once...):

 

Air Filtration (I like to use the outside air whenever possible, so I'm thinking this might be a good idea...plus it's less than $40.)

 

Rear bumper corner molding (These are around $50...do they actually protect the rear bumper from anything? They look pretty small...)

 

Rear bumper step up pad (This one I'm getting for sure...)

 

Splash guards (How much do they help? Is it worth the price?)

 

Hood Deflector (Does it work? Is it worth it? Does it affect gas mileage?)

 

Moonroof air deflector (Does it really cut down wind noise when the moonroof is open? Does it interfere with ski/snowboard racks?)

 

Racks (Mine came with factory mounted cross bars...but they're not locked. Seems like anyone with a torq wrench can get them off...so I'm wondering how safe anything would be. Would I be better off getting locking crossbars from Yakima? Also, are the stock ski/snowboard racks good, or should I go with Yakima (or other)?

 

Brush guard (Not seriously considering due to price...but you never know. I don't plan to do too much offroading, mostly just snow driving in Tahoe. But, seems like this would help protect the painted bumper from chips. Maybe a simple bra would be better, but I'm worried about theft...I park on the street.)

 

Speakers (I'm definitely replacing the stock 6-cd changer and front speakers. I'm considering something like Infinit Kappa, Pioneer, or Rockford Fosgate 6 1/2" door mounts. I'm wondering if I would also need the tweeter kit and/or powered sub...or if the better door mounts + 50W Alpine head unit would be good enough.)

 

That's it for now...

[BlueSoob]

I can see you're excited... here are my thoughts...

 

 

 

Hi...I'm new to the board, and new to Subaru's. I've ridden in many, but this is the first I've owned. I took advantage of the $2000 factory incentive on 2004 models, talked them down to $200 over dealer invoice, for a net of $1800 below dealer invoice on a 2004 Forester XS. Sweet!

 

Now, though, I'm already thinking about all the upgrades I'd like to do, and was looking for feedback (is each one worth it or not...) Any advice would be appreciated. Here's what I'm considering (just not all at once...):

 

Air Filtration (I like to use the outside air whenever possible, so I'm thinking this might be a good idea...plus it's less than $40.)

*A great thing to have. I installed this in my car not long after. You'd be suprised what it catches. You could install it yourself if you have a screwdriver and 10 mins. Unless you don't think you can follow the instructions in the box... but it does need to be changed often. I change mine every 15000 miles

 

 

Rear bumper corner molding (These are around $50...do they actually protect the rear bumper from anything? They look pretty small...)

*Do you have a hard time seeing your corners? do people regularly bump into you?

 

Rear bumper step up pad (This one I'm getting for sure...)

*Anything to protect the paint.. Which is one reason i got the X. Less paint

 

Splash guards (How much do they help? Is it worth the price?)

*I've had these on mine since new.... I think at the very least it makes it look more sporty. I'm sure it does help in some way.. never had a car without em

 

Hood Deflector (Does it work? Is it worth it? Does it affect gas mileage?)

*Might help prevent rock chips. (Which has become a rather annoying problem on mine)

 

Moonroof air deflector (Does it really cut down wind noise when the moonroof is open? Does it interfere with ski/snowboard racks?)

*Depends. Just be sure to measure out your rack set up if you wish to go that route. Especially if you get a fairing for your aftermarket rack

 

Racks (Mine came with factory mounted cross bars...but they're not locked. Seems like anyone with a torq wrench can get them off...so I'm wondering how safe anything would be. Would I be better off getting locking crossbars from Yakima? Also, are the stock ski/snowboard racks good, or should I go with Yakima (or other)?

*Heres the real sticker! Yakima forester towers don't lock either!!! but they will definately hold more weight. I wouldn't dare to put more than one bike or one rocket box thing up there. Just depends on what you plan on putting up there.

 

Brush guard (Not seriously considering due to price...but you never know. I don't plan to do too much offroading, mostly just snow driving in Tahoe. But, seems like this would help protect the painted bumper from chips. Maybe a simple bra would be better, but I'm worried about theft...I park on the street.)

*All i can say is aftermarket... there is no point in spending so much money on the piece of plastic that bends so easy.

 

Speakers (I'm definitely replacing the stock 6-cd changer and front speakers. I'm considering something like Infinit Kappa, Pioneer, or Rockford Fosgate 6 1/2" door mounts. I'm wondering if I would also need the tweeter kit and/or powered sub...or if the better door mounts + 50W Alpine head unit would be good enough.)

 

That's it for now...

*I know this is a stupid insert but I got the rubber floor mats and the armrest extention. I only got em cuz i got em from a wrecked forester and they were cheaper. The Black floormats look SOOO much better than the gray.. and the armrest i thought might be a waste of money.. but on long trips i can really tell a difference in comfort.