Topic: Accessories for 2005 Forester XT?

[awebber]

As you all know by now, I'm planning to get one of the subject vehicles with automatic and cloth seats and wondered what if any accessories are worth considering.

The console extension, while it looks ugly in the pictures, feels like something I might want (I'm tall).

A block heater might be a good idea, though I've never used one in the 14 years I've owned my Explorer.

They list an anti-theft system but there's already an engine immobilizer.

Winter mats are going to be needed but I'm sure I can get cheaper ones almost anywhere.

That's all they show as options on www.subaru.ca although www.subaru.com has an Accessories link that includes other things including auto-dimming mirror, battery warmer, bumper corner protectors, car cover, cargo spotlight, cargo bin and cargo nets, turbo gauge pack, hood protector, splash guards, turbo boost gauge, and locking wheel nuts.

Thinking of a remote starter for Canadian winter but there isn't one listed!  I asked one dealer and he said he thought the new engine immobilizer conflicted with the security system which was bundled with the remote starter.  Is that true?  Does Subaru make a remote starter for the Forester XT?  What about third parties?

And if you had $1000 to spend on accessories and/or extended warranty, what would you get?

Thanks!
=aw

[Snowman]

EcuTek ECU Reflash and 6 hours on an awd dyno…..fuckengiver.

[bmorton]

The dealer has an official accessory list for the car that, if it's anything like the one for the Impreza, is several pages long. You'll probably be able to find a few things to spend that $1000 on on there, although the XT already comes with a number of things standard that are accessories on lesser models.

I don't have the armrest extension on my Subaru since I prefer the car without one, but I've seen plenty of people recommend it. If you don't plan to get paint protection film for your car, the hood deflector is a good idea. Some people also like to get the rear diff protector, although when you examine the rear diff it's pretty solid on its own. If you plan to tow there's a dealer accessory tow kit. The metal STi-type pedals might be a nice interior touch. And so on!

[ovr50]

Things I would get for an XT would be: block heater, armrest extension (for you, probably not me as I'm shorter), cargo net, cargo mat, hood deflector, locking wheel lugs, splash guards (if they look OK), winter floor mats and maybe the turbo boost guage. Things I would NOT get include: self-dimming mirror (have one in wife's Solara and hate it), remote starter, battery warmer thingy, diff. protector. The extended warranty might be a good idea if you plan to keep the XT a long time (but I think you can buy it later so maybe don't have to do it on purchase/lease).  

Sounds like a nice ride for you. What color did you decide on?

[awebber]

Thanks Bmorton.  I will check with the dealer but it sounds like I could spend $1000 on toys easily.  I believe extending the warranty from 3yr to 5yr is about $500 so if that could count they I'm sure I could do it.

Snowman, the EcuTek thing sounds interesting, is that like the modules they make for my old Explorer that changes performance and shift points but takes 91 gas?  How does that work when you already have a turbo and use 91?  I can't imagine having even more power (since I only 155hp now) but maybe there's no such thing as too much.

Ovr50, thanks for the list.  I think the cargo mat is standard, but the nets look like a good idea (esp. since I can't just open the rear glass).  May I ask why you hate the self-dimming mirror?  I drove a Vue with it and it didn't seem too bad, just too expensive as a Subaru option.  But it's yet another thing where control is taken from the driver, which would worry me a bit.  

Why not a remote starter?  Assuming there is one for the XT that is. I had Derand www.derand.com put one in my Explorer when I moved to outside parking two years ago.  Don't use it much but when the GF's here she gets a chill if the Explorer's cold (and no one likes a chilled GF ).

Colour?

I'm choosing between Black, Red, and Grey. Oh, and Silver.  Given that there are only seven to choose from, that means I've eliminated blue, white, and gold.  A note about the gold, someone (here?) recommended it and I liked it in one photo I saw (the guy who's fighting with Livermore Subaru in California).  But when I saw it on a lot last weekend I thought it was ugly!  The 2005 gold is different from the 2004, and while it's a matter of taste, I wonder if anyone who likes Forester gold might be referring to the 2004.

Black looks incredible. When it's clean and when it's shiny. I never wash my silver Explorer and GF's silver Camry gets a wash "sometimes". But maybe with some incentive (black vehicle that will look like crap when dirty and amazing when clean) I'd make the effort to do it or have it done?

The red is weird, it's not bright red but it's nice. It's a good compromise (as red goes) since GF looked at the Canadian-flag-red car next to it and said, "good thing it's not _that_ red!" while I was thinking, "if only it were _that_ red!". Red cars are supposed to get more speeding tickets.

The grey is interesting, it's new this year and it's a bit taupey.

And of course silver is the traditional colour that hides the dirt, hides the dings, hides the everything. Though it doesn't hide the extensive rust any more.

Any advice?  The salesman is steering me away from black based on my car-care habits and I respect that.  Don't want to get into black and then resent washing it (or not wash it).  But it looks great!

Thanks!
=aw

[awebber]

One more thing, www.subaru.com lists two options for a turbo-boost gauge.  One is a single gauge on the steering column, the other is a set of three gauges that I assume must go on the dash.  

"Displays turbo boost pressure, voltage, and oil temperature."

Oil temperature sounds useful but would you recommend this or the single gauge?

Thanks!
=aw

   

[Mdxtasy]

I have self dimming mirrors.  I like them but combined with the tinted glass out back, it's often difficult to see anything but headlights.  It does do a good job in reducing the glare from vehicle headlights.  You can't win them all.

As for toys....I'd go with the rear rubber cargo mat, cargo nets, 3M hood protector film, block heater(they give that to you here in AB for free), mud guards, and an aftermarket turbo timer.  

I don't like the remote starters....just gives you a reason to idle your car unecessarily and waste fuel.  

As for colors, if you don't regularily maintain your vehicle, stay away from black.  I wash my car every week....weather permitting.  Hand wash, spray on detailer....and wax every 2 or 3 months.  Go for the red.  It's not bright so a dusty car won't be noticiable.  Looks OK caked in dirt.  Good compromise between sporty color and hiding the owner's lazy vehicle maintenance habits (did I say that out loud?)

[bmorton]

Mud guards are standard on the XT, ditto the rubber cargo tray. The three-gauge pack goes on top of the dash in the place where the storage compartment is, so you lose that storage and get a very strange-looking gauge set there. I believe it's also a very expensive accessory. If you want the boost gauge I'd take the single one on the steering column.

[Snowman]

Awebber,

Here is link to EcuTek ECU programming. This is software programming….no piggy-back crap.

http://www.ecutek.com.au/delta-ecu_repro.htm

[ovr50]

aw - I dislike auto-dimming mirror because the one we have does not do a good enough job of reducing glare from behind. Perhaps it's unfair to judge based on one sample but why have it anyway, it's easy to give the mirror a flip as needed. If the auto-dimming fails to reduce the glare, you're stuck with it. Just my feelings on it.  
Color wise I would avoid black based on your assessment of your car-wash schedule. The Red or Silver sounds good. Gold - meh. I don't like remote starters for same reason that Mdx doesn't.

[davidm]

General consensus from scooby people is that the 3-guage pack is of poor quality and a waste, get the single boost gauage on the steering column if you feel you'd like that (particularly if you are considering fiddling with the ECU/engine/boost).

Underbody protection is best purchased in the aftermarket.  Good stuff out of Oregon if you are interested in "real" skid plates and dif protectors.

For colours, I love that scooby black (with pearl or metallic in it), but red or silver are better choices unless you are a washing fiend.

I'd probably save some money for another set of wheels and tires (and to upgrade the stock OEM tires).  That said, things like mud flaps and cargo nets are worthwhile adds.  Is there a rear bumper protector included in the car?

[corey]

Awebber,

My 2004 XT (stock 5-speed, cloth seats) has heated seats as will your 2005. Your Girlfriend will never be cold again! They not only warm your behind but your lower back as well. It is probably my wifes favorite feature on our car. It also comes standard with a cargo mat, splash guards and a rubber cover/protector over the rear bumper.

Personally, I would avoid the ECU reflash until after your warranty expires unless your dealer is okay with it (also emissions testing?). I believe it also takes away the funtionality of your cruise control if that matters to you. The hood deflector is not an option with the turbo as it prevents proper air flow to the intake (I heard about this here first and it's since been confirmed by my dealer). The only options/accessories we added at time of purchase were the alarm, paint sealant and wheel locks. We did not get the extended warranty but it's probably not a bad idea now that I've had more time to think about it. Definitely get some rubber floor mats to protect your carpet and stock mats. We got the Crappy Tire specials. Even the Subaru ones would be worth it after a few years if/when you sell.

The things I hope/plan to do are: Winter tires/wheels, upgrade the all-seasons (after they wear out), cargo net, possible hitch in a couple years, roof top carrier to carry camping gear/skis/snowboards. If I lived in your area I would add the block heater. I'm interested in the 3M protector and tinted windows. Not sure about the quality of tinting these days, definitely not a fan of the bubbled, tinted look. I've always preferred a fairly stock looking vehicle but those metal pedals sound interesting. Ergonomic bling? How much $$?

As for colour, it's a hard decision. I wanted the black one too. The one at the Vancouver Auto Show was black. The demo we test drove was black. In my opinion it's the best colour for the XT. However... I am not like MDX. My car gets monthly washings at best. I got the paint sealant as it's sort of like a permanent wax and comes with a warranty. A couple months ago I walked by a black XT. It was filthy and had many scratches and that confirmed we had made a good decision. Our car always looks clean.

BTW, here's another forum for you to check out, devoted entirely to your new car: http://www.subaruforester.com/index.php

[ovr50]

Corey - glad you're enjoying your XT. I totally forgot about not getting a hood deflector with the turbo and I knew that. My bad.  

You're also right on the black - looks great clean but if you're not a frequent-wash type, avoid the black and other deep colors. My dark blue RAV falls in that catagory also.

[awebber]

Thank you everyone for the advice.  The salesman pretty much had the same opinion on most accessories although he doesn't think the extended warranty is worth it (!) because the engine is relatively solid.  I might look into that later though.  In the end I wasn't in a position to need to buy accessories with credit so I didn't, but it was good to know that most of it was not stuff I'd want to pay cash for either.

The few things that sounded reasonable (here, or from the salesman) it seems are standard: mud guards, locking wheel nuts, cargo tray, tonneau cover.

And there is in fact no remote starter available right now, it's incompatible with the new engine immobilizer.  I happen to think they're a waste of gas but GF likes the option on cold days; I guess the remote starter will be me, and if the Forester's heat-up time is more like the GF's Camry than my Explorer, it will be warm enough fast enough (the Explorer took 5-10 minutes to be comfortably warm, the Camry feels more like 2 minutes!)

=aw

[awebber]

quote:

Here is link to EcuTek ECU programming. This is software programming….no piggy-back crap.

http://www.ecutek.com.au/delta-ecu_repro.htm

Fascinating stuff, but they talk about wanting 98 octane.  Which does answer my earlier question, "if the Explorer goes from 87 to 91 with the module upgrade, what happens to an engine that already requires 91?".  So what do you do, use 94?

And this Australian stuff reminds me of when we were in NZ, everything was 91 and 95 octane.  At the time we wondered if that was just to reduce emissions (being NZ) or what other reason.  So why is regular gas 91 octane?

Thanks!
=aw

[bmorton]

We use a different method of rating octane in fuels here than they do overseas. Here we take the average of the Research Octane Number (RON), which is the measure of a fuel's ability to resist knock under moderate conditions, and the Motor Octane Number (MON), which is the measure of the fuel's ability to resist knock under severe conditions. This is abbreviated as (RON+MON)/2 or (R+M)/2. Since the RON number is generally 8-10 points higher than the MON number, the average is somewhere in the middle.

Overseas they tend to use just the RON number when talking about octane. Generally the spread between RON octane and our (R+M)/2 octane (sometimes also referred to as CLC or AKI) is about 4 points, so 91, 95 and 98 octane in Australia is equivalent to 87, 91 and 94 over here.

[awebber]

Thank you, that makes a lot of sense.  I did wonder if the NZ stuff was a "different octane" but thought "octane is octane".  Now I know.

=aw