[RoadTripBoy]

I have had a sun roof on my last six cars including my '23 Outback and my '20 GTI. My wife does not have one on here 2015 Crosstrek - she says regrets her choice. She wish she would have gotten one.

Most people should not have them however. The case against them are rather well known: the possibility of leakage, glass breakage, mechanical breakdown... .etc.

However that is not why I think most people should not get one. The reason I argue is because most people don't/won't use them. My non-scientific, anecdotal-observation based on living in middle of Illinois (where it can hit 100+F in the summer and -20F in the winter and living in a metropolitan area (and based on my travels elsewhere ) suggests most people just don't use them - despite ample opportunity to do so.

In the summer, I make it a game to count how many people have one open sunroof at least partially open. I can drive hours and sometimes and see zero open sunroofs. I live out in the "country" so I have a chance to see people on free-flowing state highways too - very few to none there also.

I may have to work a little harder because I use mine. A little more effort to keep my interior free of dust and blown-in derbies. For me, It's worth it. But for most people, again based on my anecdotal observations, it appears to be an expensive accessory they'll rarely use. I have a neighbor, he says he has never opened his. I do realize that some people get a sunroof as the result of a package they bought to get acquire another accessory - it was part of a package. Also some people have them for the increase light. But the moon/sun roof is still a waste for most who do not use their best function - they open!

BTW: I've never had any problems with any of the sun or moon roof I've owned. Yearly, I lube with a spray on white lithium grease on the mechanical parts (Making sure not to get any in the drain holes. I also use Gummi Pflege dressing / protectorate on the seals of my moon roof and all doors/windows seals. Gummi Pledge Stift is a favorite of the GTI and Audi crowd. There are many other alternatives. However GP is my favorite. To avoid draining problems, I pour a 50-50% mix water and vinegar down the roof drain holes twice a summer. It discourages spiders / bugs and helps cleans out pollen and other vegetative matter that can lead to drain stoppages.

I love sunroofs, But more most people it seems an expensive waste. That's my two cents. Your mileage may vary.

View attachment 566448

My Gen 5 Outback is my third vehicle with a sun/moon roof. I like having it and I definitely use mine though not as much as I once did. Were you checking sun roof use during the day or night time in the summer? I think most people now have their A/C on in the summertime during the day--so the sun roof is closed. Also sun exposure can be a big problem--you don't want to get sunburned in your car. With my first "sunroofed" car (2003 Pontiac Vibe), I used my sun roof constantly as it was a novelty for me. One weekend I drove down to the jersey shore with the sun roof open, stayed out on the beach all day, and then drove home with the sun roof opened. And by the time I got home I had sun poisoning--so driving with the sun roof open on a sunny day for long periods of time has it's potential hazards. Since then I keep sunscreen and a hat in the car that I use faithfully if I'm driving with the sun roof open. Mostly I use it at night, when it's cooler.

Also, what about that tilt feature? I love that, especially in the fall and spring, when it provides just enough flow through ventilation and circulation in the cabin during those times of year.

Never had a problem with a sunroof leaking, shattering, malfunctioning <knocks on wood>

 

[LocalHero]

I had to silicone the one shut on my previous OB to keep it from leaking but I never used it anyway. I don't use my current sunroof and would be happier without it though it's only leaked once so far. If you park under trees, the drain holes clog up too easily.

 

[gearhead4x4]

I have had a sun roof on my last six cars including my '23 Outback and my '20 GTI. My wife does not have one on here 2015 Crosstrek - she says regrets her choice. She wish she would have gotten one.

Most people should not have them however. The case against them are rather well known: the possibility of leakage, glass breakage, mechanical breakdown... .etc.

However that is not why I think most people should not get one. The reason I argue is because most people don't/won't use them. My non-scientific, anecdotal-observation based on living in middle of Illinois (where it can hit 100+F in the summer and -20F in the winter and living in a metropolitan area (and based on my travels elsewhere ) suggests most people just don't use them - despite ample opportunity to do so.

In the summer, I make it a game to count how many people have one open sunroof at least partially open. I can drive hours and sometimes and see zero open sunroofs. I live out in the "country" so I have a chance to see people on free-flowing state highways too - very few to none there also.

I may have to work a little harder because I use mine. A little more effort to keep my interior free of dust and blown-in derbies. For me, It's worth it. But for most people, again based on my anecdotal observations, it appears to be an expensive accessory they'll rarely use. I have a neighbor, he says he has never opened his. I do realize that some people get a sunroof as the result of a package they bought to get acquire another accessory - it was part of a package. Also some people have them for the increase light. But the moon/sun roof is still a waste for most who do not use their best function - they open!

BTW: I've never had any problems with any of the sun or moon roof I've owned. Yearly, I lube with a spray on white lithium grease on the mechanical parts (Making sure not to get any in the drain holes. I also use Gummi Pflege dressing / protectorate on the seals of my moon roof and all doors/windows seals. Gummi Pledge Stift is a favorite of the GTI and Audi crowd. There are many other alternatives. However GP is my favorite. To avoid draining problems, I pour a 50-50% mix water and vinegar down the roof drain holes twice a summer. It discourages spiders / bugs and helps cleans out pollen and other vegetative matter that can lead to drain stoppages.

I love sunroofs, But more most people it seems an expensive waste. That's my two cents. Your mileage may vary.

View attachment 566448

I have driven 3 cars with a sunroof.
1. 197x Datsun f10 rent-a-wreck in Hawaii (Oahu). This was an pop out aftermarket sunroof that I used every day. Hawaii is an open air kind of place, so it made sense.
2. 1978 Accord LXi sedan that came standard with an electrically operated "moonroof". I did not open it often, but after about 2 years it started leaking (pinched drain tube) and I could not fix it. The sliding sunshade also rattled.
3. 2003 Subaru Legacy Wagon that came with 2 sunroofs. The front unit tilted open, the rear panel opened fully. I rarely used the rear moonroof, but I often opened the front just to vent hot air from the car while it was parked in the sun. I had no problems with leaks or retracting failures. The car had a drivetrain vibration that the dealer couldn't fix, so I traded it in after less than 2 years.
Since then, I have avoided sunroofs because of the potential for leaks and I would rarely open the roof. I purchased my 2019 Forester Base model because ALL the other trim levels came with a sunroof. This seems like a bad marking decision by Subaru.
My next car will not have a sunroof, nor a touchscreen for controlling the HVAC. So, it may not be a Subaru.

 

[Subaru: Be. Do.]

I had two sunroofs in my 2001 Outback, LL Bean H6, 3.0 and I rarely used them, but now that you mention it, you have just reminded me that the 2019 Outback, Limited 3.6R has a sunroof too ! If only, I could remember to use it !

 

[The Ancient Mariner]

I'm not sure I understand the gripe about people having a sunroof, whether used or not. We've had sunroofs in the past on Honda Accord, Acura TL, and now our Outback. During those years, we lived in Texas, New Jersey, Ohio, and Arkansas. We like the extra cabin light when driving, and if the weather is nice, and we are not on a freeway, it is often open. We especially enjoy it here in The Natural State because we live in a gated community when the car is driven 90% of the time. We love the smell of the pine trees, the fresh air, etc. Our gated community is over 50 sq miles, and it we stay within a 10 mile radius of the Village, we still leave it open when driving, unless the weather is bad. We garage our cars, so maybe it helps that we've never had a problem with a sunroof. When we park the car outside, we close the roof because we have a lot of critters out here.

 

[jubrele]

Sunroof on my 2014 Outback is leaking, and I can't locate the issue so far (likely a clogged drain hose, I know, but haven't been able to find the problem source yet). Its the first time I've dealt with sunroof issues. We use it occasionally, but since we have a Thule roof box, most of the time it goes unused. And now it's a leaking PITA. Water accumulated under the passenger side carpet, now smells moldy, and we are considering replacing the car if the issue proves too difficult to resolve.

 

[Daboo]

Going back to the OP's post, I'm one of those who has a sunroof and rarely uses it. Usually, the only time I use it is when parking to let excess heat escape.

Way back in 75, I owned a VW Rabbit with a sunroof. It sounded like a cool option...till we took a vacation to Oregon one summer. We were doing good till the sun came out. As the driver, I couldn't get the sun out of my face and eyes without wearing a baseball cap. Then we noticed it was much hotter with the sun beating down on us.

Since then, if it is sunny...the sun roof stays shut. If it's rainy, the sun roof stays shut. If it is cloudy...I probably won't think about it.

But I think it's cool.

 

[46HudsonPU]

LOL!
Just went through this, on the purchase of our 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Limited. We REALLY didn't want a 'moonroof' on our Crosstrek - however it was like finding a needle in a haystack, especially when looking for a 'Limited'.
Over the years, we've had multiple vehicles, all with a 'moonroof' or 'sunroof' (whatever the manufacturers call them), but never used them - Totally more of a pain than a benefit, and not worth the extra $1K+ price, for something we NEVER use.

To complicate matters (during our vehicle search process - mid/late April), Subaru ended the 2023 model year, and began rolling-out the 2024 Crosstrek. Checking with a dealership, the availability of a 2024 Crosstrek Limited would not be until around mid-late July 2023 - so a 2-3 month wait, unless we bought from 2023 inventory or went with a lower 'trim' level.
A check of the area found zero (0) 2023 'non-moonroof' Crosstrek Limited vehicles within a 150 mile radius (Maryland, Pennsylvania, D.C., Delaware, West Virginia or Virginia). To further complicate matters, dealerships in the region were all 'sitting on' their inventory of 2023 Crosstrek 'Limited' vehicles - not allowing regional transfers of their remaining 2023 inventory, because they wanted the 'sale' (The vehicles are in somewhat high demand).
We ended-up managing to coordinate a sale on a vehicle from a dealership that was 60 miles away(from their inventory) - "We won't transfer it to your local dealership, however you can buy it from us.". The transaction was completed, and they 'delivered' to our home as well - the same day (End of month April, they wanted 'the sale').

Sorry for the long post - just because we REALLY didn't want a 'moonroof', but relented and got one anyway.

 

[Rs6er]

BTW: I've never had any problems with any of the sun
I love sunroofs, But more most people it seems an expensive waste. That's my two cents. Your mileage may vary.

I live in the high desert of Central Oregon. It’s sunny year round— cold in winter, hot in summer. I often open the shade only in winter when driving or parked to add a little passive solar heat. In summer, I mostly keep it closed when driving, but in the up position with the shade pulled back an inch or so when parked. This allows heat to escape through the roof. On nice fall and spring days, I open it all up.
View attachment 566448
[/QUOTE]

 

[Cerulean Obsidian]

Something I didn't see mentioned by anyone here is that a sunroof takes away some headroom inside the vehicle. I'm quite tall, and I discovered the headroom issue when I was shopping for my previous car (Legacy). I also suffer from the heat, and living in South Carolina, there's no way I would drive around with any open roof.

So given all the other cons, I will never purchase a vehicle with a sunroof. If Subaru doesn't offer an option of "no sunroof" but with all the other options I do want, I'll just go to another manufacturer. I have liked all my Subarus over the years, but I'm not tied down to them. And if I'm paying for a vehicle, I want all the options that I want without the ones that I don't.

I saw someone recently who said that due to the way the Outback is designed the sunroof doesn't change the amount of headroom. Having never driven one without a sunroof, I can't speak to it's accuracy.

I do find that because of the change in seating to be car like instead of truck like, I actually have more headroom in my Outback than I did in the CRV despite the cabin being shorter.

 

[Cerulean Obsidian]

I like having a sunroof, but I don't think I would disqualify a vehicle for having or lacking a sunroof. My shade is pretty much always open. About the only time I close it are the really hot days because the heat starts radiating through the glass and causing the AC to struggle.

Whenever the weather was nice I'd have the windows and sunroof open in my CRV. I don't drive nearly what I used to so the one in the Outback doesn't see much use.

 

[provels]

Appears this thread is destined for "Irreconcilable Differences"...

 

[gearhead4x4]

Appears this thread is destined for "Irreconcilable Differences"...

Yes. I get it, some drivers like a sunroof. The sunroof option should remain an OPTION and not a mandatory fixture for drivers who want the other features in a package. Likewise, dealers who order for stock, need to understand such vehicles may dissuade buyers who have no desire for a sunroof.

 

[pallen]

Interesting range of experiences here. I've had a sunroof on almost every car I've owned. The first was an '82 Prelude, then an '86 Toyota MR2, I had TTops on my 94 300ZX and our 2013 Outback. None of them have ever leaked or had a mechanical issue. I used them a lot on my cars, but on the Outback, we rarely open it completely. I like having the light through the glass, but usually keep it closed. My wife has fair skin and burns easily, so she's sun-averse

 

[gls]

We've never had a problem with any vehicle with a sunroof. We keep it closed in the summer and open the shade in the spring and fall. Winter is too cold and my wife doesn't like the draft from the window. We'll tilt it up and crack the windows on occassion for some additional ventilation on sunny day, but overall it does not seems to make much of a different. I'd be happy with a top window that did not open, as long as there is a closable shade.

 

[Subaru: Be. Do.]

Truth be told, I love natural sunlight and fresh air, and sometimes it is advantageous to have these elements, in the cab, from above, while driving. That said, there are potential downsides to having an opening in the roof of your vehicle, as it can be a source of unwanted moisture or water getting inside the vehicle, between the roof and the headliner, and creating a musty smell and even feeding mold. Pop quiz: Did you know that automobiles, like building structures, have weep holes to allow water to escape? Maybe, we can explore this topic, entitled "weep holes", later.

 

[Blue Ridge Subie]

I've used my sunroof a few times in the last couple of weeks, but I could live without it. I was so excited when my 2014 Forester came with a panoramic sunroof, but then I realized that didn't do much for me. No tilt, which is how I usually use on my OBW. I wouldn't avoid a sunroof if it came part of a package with other stuff I really wanted, but if I'm evaluating a package based on what you get for the extra money, I put very little value on the sunroof. Maybe $100, if anything.

 

[Etcher]

I live in phoenix. Given time every sunroof leaks eventually due to heat and dry rot of the seals. Not to mention the last thing I want is a glass rooftop letting sunshine into the car. Completely useless. I've had them on previous cars and never used them.

In 2016 I bought Honda Accord sport, the main reason I purchased the sport over the common LX model was because it did not have a sunroof.

Ymmv. To me a sun roof is not a feature, it's a liability.

 

[piste]

I use the sunroof on my 69 Corvette convertible all the time. Whoops...wrong forum.

 

[NVdsertrat]

I have had a sun roof on my last six cars including my '23 Outback and my '20 GTI. My wife does not have one on here 2015 Crosstrek - she says regrets her choice. She wish she would have gotten one.

Most people should not have them however. The case against them are rather well known: the possibility of leakage, glass breakage, mechanical breakdown... .etc.

However that is not why I think most people should not get one. The reason I argue is because most people don't/won't use them. My non-scientific, anecdotal-observation based on living in middle of Illinois (where it can hit 100+F in the summer and -20F in the winter and living in a metropolitan area (and based on my travels elsewhere ) suggests most people just don't use them - despite ample opportunity to do so.

In the summer, I make it a game to count how many people have one open sunroof at least partially open. I can drive hours and sometimes and see zero open sunroofs. I live out in the "country" so I have a chance to see people on free-flowing state highways too - very few to none there also.

I may have to work a little harder because I use mine. A little more effort to keep my interior free of dust and blown-in derbies. For me, It's worth it. But for most people, again based on my anecdotal observations, it appears to be an expensive accessory they'll rarely use. I have a neighbor, he says he has never opened his. I do realize that some people get a sunroof as the result of a package they bought to get acquire another accessory - it was part of a package. Also some people have them for the increase light. But the moon/sun roof is still a waste for most who do not use their best function - they open!

BTW: I've never had any problems with any of the sun or moon roof I've owned. Yearly, I lube with a spray on white lithium grease on the mechanical parts (Making sure not to get any in the drain holes. I also use Gummi Pflege dressing / protectorate on the seals of my moon roof and all doors/windows seals. Gummi Pledge Stift is a favorite of the GTI and Audi crowd. There are many other alternatives. However GP is my favorite. To avoid draining problems, I pour a 50-50% mix water and vinegar down the roof drain holes twice a summer. It discourages spiders / bugs and helps cleans out pollen and other vegetative matter that can lead to drain stoppages.

I love sunroofs, But more most people it seems an expensive waste. That's my two cents. Your mileage may vary.

View attachment 566448

I have had a sun roof on my last six cars including my '23 Outback and my '20 GTI. My wife does not have one on here 2015 Crosstrek - she says regrets her choice. She wish she would have gotten one.

Most people should not have them however. The case against them are rather well known: the possibility of leakage, glass breakage, mechanical breakdown... .etc.

However that is not why I think most people should not get one. The reason I argue is because most people don't/won't use them. My non-scientific, anecdotal-observation based on living in middle of Illinois (where it can hit 100+F in the summer and -20F in the winter and living in a metropolitan area (and based on my travels elsewhere ) suggests most people just don't use them - despite ample opportunity to do so.

In the summer, I make it a game to count how many people have one open sunroof at least partially open. I can drive hours and sometimes and see zero open sunroofs. I live out in the "country" so I have a chance to see people on free-flowing state highways too - very few to none there also.

I may have to work a little harder because I use mine. A little more effort to keep my interior free of dust and blown-in derbies. For me, It's worth it. But for most people, again based on my anecdotal observations, it appears to be an expensive accessory they'll rarely use. I have a neighbor, he says he has never opened his. I do realize that some people get a sunroof as the result of a package they bought to get acquire another accessory - it was part of a package. Also some people have them for the increase light. But the moon/sun roof is still a waste for most who do not use their best function - they open!

BTW: I've never had any problems with any of the sun or moon roof I've owned. Yearly, I lube with a spray on white lithium grease on the mechanical parts (Making sure not to get any in the drain holes. I also use Gummi Pflege dressing / protectorate on the seals of my moon roof and all doors/windows seals. Gummi Pledge Stift is a favorite of the GTI and Audi crowd. There are many other alternatives. However GP is my favorite. To avoid draining problems, I pour a 50-50% mix water and vinegar down the roof drain holes twice a summer. It discourages spiders / bugs and helps cleans out pollen and other vegetative matter that can lead to drain stoppages.

I love sunroofs, But more most people it seems an expensive waste. That's my two cents. Your mileage may vary.

View attachment 566448

I have had 2 Outbacks and not used sunroof. Total waste of money , Should be a separte package by itself, I though mine was making too much noise . I opened it and track fell into passenger seat. 3 weeks to back order track, Fixed ubder warranty , Never opened again, Just a brain Burner ib Nevada sun.