[al4224t]

Just bought today... the CarMax 2010 6MT base model. Was pleased to find it came with all the original manuals / guides in a leather pouch, and the 2 keys plus valet key. I had pretty mixed feelings about buying from CarMax, but in the end the experience was excellent. They let me take it for a solo 20 minute test drive, so I had enough time to cruise up and down the interstate. And a nice touch is they fill it up with gas before you leave. Now we will see how the car holds up over the next few weeks. Already scheduled an inspection at the local shop (and getting a quote for that timing belt). Sadly I need to wait for my registration to come in the mail before I can put my Oregon "Smokey Bear" plates on it... they will look great on this car

 

[al4224t]

New headlights and a painted grill. It's honestly amazing how modern the car looks now with those two simple changes. Can't wait to keep adding to it! View attachment 516211

Wow, do you have a link for those headlights?

 

[al4224t]

I had the windows tinted this week. This plus the wheels has really transformed the look from the stock base model.

 

[al4224t]

Nice, very nice

What wheels / tires did you have, and then go to?

From: Stock 16" steel wheels with Michelin Defenders
To: 2015 Forester XT 18" wheels with Les Schwab Road Control Touring A/S
The tires came on the wheels, so weren't my pick. But the tread is nearly new and they seem just fine. Added bonus is I've already had an issue with a leaking valve stem and the TPMS needing reset again - since it was their tires they fixed for free. Hoping they will play nice now!

 

[al4224t]

It is firmer, but that's mostly because I was running the pressure a little low below, and now the tire pressure is much higher. i.e. Of course there is a lot less tire than below, so you could expect it to not be as good for potholes? It also feels much more planted cornering, but again that might just be because the tire pressure right now is higher than I had it before. To be honest there still feels like there is plenty of tire even on 18" rims, since the overall diameter of the wheel is so large to begin with. So not like a sedan where they have big rims and small tire height.

 

[al4224t]

Rolled past 120,000 miles today and had some great miles on the forest roads to go trail running.

 

[al4224t]

Really appreciate the shiny forester wheels when I see them in light like this…

 

[al4224t]

I’m new to the group, and was recommended to post some pics here: Here’s either “Lucy” or “Ruby,” I haven’t decided on the name yet, lol

Great to see more 6MT owners on the forum! Shame the 6MT isin't as common in the real world as it appears on this board, otherwise I would have got one in green! Mine is plain old white...

 

[al4224t]

I blacked out my wheels. grille and the silver around the fog lights on my '11 6sp

Very nice, but now those clear headlights are really sticking out!

 

[al4224t]

 

[al4224t]

 

[al4224t]

agreed - those are sharp!

@al4224t what make / models are those?

They are 2014 Subaru Forester XT 18” rims. This is a nice choice as bolt pattern, offset, and overall diameter all match the Outback specs! And they are Subaru OEM There are actually an all black version of these from a slightly later model year, I think they are kinda rare though.

 

[al4224t]

Enjoying the snow in CO

 

[al4224t]

Think I might need to visit a car wash soon