[WannaBinHD]

Allow me to thank this forum and all its contributors for helping me decide on an Outback. After 17 years with my trusty 4Runner, I'm planning on ordering a 3.6 Touring Outback in the near future. I have been attracted to both Foresters and Outbacks for several years, but after test driving decided I much preferred the Outback.

Since I obviously keep my vehicles for some time, I'm not going to be shy about ordering some accessories. I'd love some input on your opinions. I've arranged them in my current order of interest, but could be persuaded either way. If you think some are useless, or others are invaluable, that would be helpful. Thanks!

High interest: Auto dimming mirror with external mirror BSD, body side molding, rear seat back protector, splash guards, wheel arch moldings, trailer hitch (for bike rack)

Moderate interest: Door edge guards, footwell illumination, led upgrade map dome light

Could take or leave at this point: Remote engine starter (live in beachside SoCal), sunshade

Anything missing? Has anyone had a 19" or 20" sway bar installed before even picking up the car?

To the frequent contributor to the forum, thank you again for all the valuable input you have already provided.

 

[Guest]

Seriously, go aftermarket and get a 2" EcoHitch and DIY. Subaru splash guards are almost entirely decorative. Go with Rally Armor flaps if you want truly functional. AFAIK, the RSB is another DIY project.

All of this stuff is fairly easy.

Being in SoCal, I'd add window tint to the top of my list.

 

[SubbaruOB]

Seriously, go aftermarket and get a 2" EcoHitch and DIY. Subaru splash guards are almost entirely decorative. Go with Armor Guard flaps if you want truly functional. AFAIK, the RSB is another DIY project.

All of this stuff is fairly easy.

Being in SoCal, I'd add window tint to the top of my list.

What window tint on the front windows will match them to the rear window.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

 

[Guest]

What window tint on the front windows will match them to the rear window.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G930A using Tapatalk

It's been a while since I did that and I've forgotten the exact numbers. There are threads discussing this. In NC, you can't get the fronts as dark as the backs without them being illegal. You can come close though. It varies state to state.

Whatever film you choose, have the installer do a test strip and measure the light transmission to make sure you're legal before the whole car is done.

 

[SubbaruOB]

Thanks.

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[Yoda_One]

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums/showthread.php?p=2315577

Laughing at oneself and with others is good for the Soul!?

 

[rockthebeef]

I'd go for a Torklift ECO hitch too over the Subaru one unless you're OK with a 1.25" receiver. I'm not sure if the dealer would install another sway bar, but you can DIY in 30-45 min at home without lifting the car. I like most of your other choices, but I can probably do without LED footwell lighting.

As far as tint, front windows are illegal in CA, but that doesn't really stop anyone. Please just don't get them so dark that you cannot make eye contact with other drivers. It can be hard to navigate certain situations when you're dealing with a vehicle whose driver cannot be seen. Indirect non-verbal communication is subtle, but helpful. When I encounter another car with dark-ass windows it often creates a delay in knowing the other car's intentions. I'm sure the dark window guys are clueless about that since it doesn't seem to affect them.

 

[Guest]

I'd go for a Torklift ECO hitch too over the Subaru one unless you're OK with a 1.25" receiver. I'm not sure if the dealer would install another sway bar, but you can DIY in 30-45 min at home without lifting the car. I like most of your other choices, but I can probably do without LED footwell lighting.

As far as tint, front windows are illegal in CA, but that doesn't really stop anyone. Please just don't get them so dark that you cannot make eye contact with other drivers. It can be hard to navigate certain situations when you're dealing with a vehicle whose driver cannot be seen. Indirect non-verbal communication is subtle, but helpful. When I encounter another car with dark-ass windows it often creates a delay in knowing the other car's intentions. I'm sure the dark window guys are clueless about that since it doesn't seem to affect them.

To add to that... if your front windows are too dark, and you live and drive in a pedestrian rich environment (a city), windows that are too dark could create safety problems for the walkers at night. Several years ago, I was riding with a buddy, who while making a left turn, [email protected] near nailed a guy walking legally in the crosswalk because he didn't see him.

 

[OBnube]

Husky liners. Keep the beach out of the carpet. On my past'13 I put on the sway bar right after the 10 mile ride home from the dealer. Footwell lighting is eye candy....I love it. I wish they still offered the lighted door sills.

 

[Gold5]

Could the door edge guards add wind noise?

 

[base_nine]

I can't tell you what to get. Instead I'll tell you what I did on my car.

Auto-dimming side mirrors. I had this on my last car and love it. It means I don't get blinded at night by people in the next lane to me.

Rear seat back protectors. We have a dog. For me this was a must have.

Trailer hitch. I fitted a 2" Draw-Tite hitch about 6 weeks after getting my car.

Rear Sway bar. We live in a city of roundabouts (traffic circles?) and every time we went through one, my wife grabbed the handle above the door because how much the Outback leans over. After fitting the 20mm rear sway bar, she no longer has to do that. Fitted at the same time as the hitch.

Husky Liners. My wife's Forester has Weather Tech but I chose Husky for the Outback. Both excellent quality and only a slight difference in price. You won't lose by choosing either

Door Edge Guards. Instead of paying the ridiculous Subaru prices, I bought "MATCC 4M U Shape Edge Trim Rubber Seal Protector Guard Strip For Cars Metal Edges Boat" from Amazon for US$10.99. I cut them to size and fitted on all four dors in under 30 minutes. And no, I have not found a noticeable increase in wind noise after. But then again, compared to my 1999 Durango, the Outback is a far quieter car.

I also got a movers blanket from Harbor Freight for a couple of dollars with a coupon and put it in the back for my dog.

I won't comment on the other items on your list as I do not have them. I hope this helped. :smile2:

Edit: OP I read your post again and I have the auto dimming rear view mirror and on both doors. Sorry if my original post was confusing.

 

[phaem]

I ordered my vehicle with all the listed "high interest" items, and I like them all. This forum generally promotes aftermarket hitches for reasons of cost and ability to use 2" accessories. I prefer vehicles bone stock, reasoned that Subaru probably knows more about their vehicles than anyone else, have no need for 2" receiver, and like the sleek look of the 1.25" receiver. But I respect that needs vary.

I had the foot well lighting installed and enjoy it.

 

[registrations99]

Regarding window tint. Be careful in CA. I had my VW tinted in CA two years ago. Two of the three shops I talked to would not tint the full front window. (Top 4 inches only). The third would do whatever I wanted and also offered a clear colorless film for the front window to reduce heat. I had it applied but found odd glare problems under certain daylight and nigh time conditions. A buddy had his front window tinted to match back and sides. He was ok for a year or so but got pulled over and issued a fix it ticket as well as having part of the film scratched off.

The below links might help:


https://www.tinting-laws.com/california/

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201720180AB1303

 

[wvpc]

#1 Front window tint
#2 Rear Sway Bar upgrade
#3 Front seat gap filler (ie Dropstop)
#4 Husky or Weatherbeater liners
#5 Fumoto oil drain valve
#6 AutoDim BSD
#7 Rear seat back protector, splash guards, wheel arch moldings, trailer hitch (for bike rack), Bento box
#8 Fuel
#9 Best for last....Clearbra

 

[WannaBinHD]

Interesting input on my inquiry. Thank you for all of the useful replies. Lots of ideas to pursue... and a couple of things I've not heard of previously.

A question for those with the footwell lighting... is that dimmable or just one level of brightness?

 

[Gold5]

Thinking about chucking the tires that come on the outback and getting Perelli P7s. Thoughts?

 

[Guest]

Thinking about chucking the tires that come on the outback and getting Perelli P7s. Thoughts?

I forget the amount, but Discount Tire gave me a few bucks for my almost new, barely used stockers when I bought my Nokians from them. It was better than just tossing them.