Top products from r/SubaruForester

I apologize in advance for this long post. None of these are "must gets", but they are what I got for my 2016 Premium forester. I'm posting this for my own future reference as well as to help some people who are wondering what accessories might be good for their new forester. I highly recommend ordering from Jackie from Annapolis Subaru @ 443-837-1422 as she can get you some good prices on the subaru accessories as well as WeatherTech products! I saved on WeatherTech shipping costs (~$20) by ordering through Jackie and the warranty is the same as if I had bought them through their website.

Please note that some of these accessory links are for my specific car year, model and configuration. I have a 2016 Premium forester without eyesight (affects the Covercraft/heatshield sunshade - they also have eyesight compatible sunshades!).

Also, I personally didn't get my windows tinted, but I think that is something that you should seriously consider doing :)

Speaker kit

Tweeter kit


WeatherTech DigitalFit floorliner (1st & 2nd row)


WeatherTech cargo/trunk liner (without bumper protector)

Weather Tech TechCare floorliner and floormat Cleaner/Protector Kit

Gorilla mud flaps

Covercraft's UVS100 sunscreen - use promo code FREESHIP

Exterior Auto Dimming Mirror w/ Approach Lighting

Luggage Compartment Cover (manual rear gate)

Rear bumper cover

Auto-Dimming Mirror with Compass and HomeLink

Rear Seat Back Protector

Two Home Depot 5 gallon homer bucket

Heatshield sunshade (driver/passenger, second row, rear windshield, sunroof) - note that their website only shows only one side window (driver/passenger), you need to call in to ask them to add the second row side window ones - on my invoice it says part #1425S-A and #1425S-B

Antigravity Batteries AG-XP-10 Multi-Function Power Supply and Jump Starter (check eBay to see if priced cheaper)

Viair 77P Portable Compressor Kit (check eBay to see if priced cheaper)

Amazon stuff:

EZ Pass Holder for VA Flex

Aux cable

Stickershield (parking stickers, etc)

Dropstop seat gap filler (driver/passenger side)

Door panel removal kit (for speaker kit install)

Two grit guards

Microfiber Drying towel

Microfiber cloths (3 pack)

Car wash shampoo

Wheel brush

Resqme (window breaker/seatbelt cutter)

Wheel cleaner

Microfiber wash mitt

Reindeer costume for Christmas

Headrest coat hanger

Road reflective triangles

Duct tape

Odor eliminator

Tire air pressure gauge

OBDII Scanner (Bluetooth)

First aid kit

I hadn't even looked at OEM but everyone seems to recommend them! This is very helpful in my decision. Thank you. Is this basically what you have?

We have a class 2 Curt but had no aspirations of towing much larger items than our bike rack. Fits well, was super easy to install and runs about $120 on Amazon.

Link here: https://www.amazon.com/120383-Class-Trailer-Hitch-Old-Style/dp/B000FZZRS0

I literally just put these on my 1999 L!

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=twister_B00VNBD8PO?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have only had them for a few days, but they are incredibly bright. I would also recommend replacing your cracked housings...

http://www.amazon.com/Depo-320-1108R-ASN-Passenger-Replacement-Headlight/dp/B004I18C2U/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1459193789&vehicle=1999-13-57-------------0&sr=1-1&ymm=1999%3Asubaru%3Aforester&keywords=1999+subaru+forester+headlight+assembly

I got cargoLocs for $46 two years ago for our crosstrek and recently put them on our 19 Forester, great bars for the price. I coated mine with spray on bed liner and they have held up perfectly! They have held plenty of gear, logs, boxes, kayaks, people lol...here's the link:

https://www.amazon.com/CargoLoc-2-Piece-Aluminum-Roof-Cross/dp/B00GA2HKAU

I would get a dash cam for starters. I personally like to keep my interior clean, aside from audio upgrade in the future, I only have all weather floor mats, collapsible cargo storage & cargo net for the trunk. However, I'm planning to do a lot on the exterior since I plan to do a lot of camping & off roading.

What it currently looks like right now: https://i.redd.it/k9lez1u607931.jpg

ARB Awning 2000: https://www.amazon.com/ARB-4x4-Accessories-Awning-2000/dp/B00MI3V7YA/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=arb+awning+2000&qid=1562902808&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1

Awning Clamps: https://www.gziladesigns.com/products/awning-mounting-clamps

Rola V-Tex Roof Basket: https://www.amazon.com/59504-V-Tex-Rooftop-Cargo-Basket/dp/B004R34HDC/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=rola+vortex&qid=1562902837&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Yeah they replace the bulb. Got them off Amazon a year ago and they have worked great

here is the link, $22

Hey! I'm the owner of the Forester and the bulbs are LED from Opt 7 6000k. I absolutely love them, but are a bit more expensive at $70.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00VNBEJ1G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you are interested my Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/brianlipke/?hl=en

These are the cross beams:

CargoLoc 2-Piece 52" Aluminum... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GA2HKAU?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

It’s an inexpensive set up, but I’m honestly very satisfied with the build quality. I wouldn’t hesitate to drive cross country with this set up.

My husband used this. Go slow and watch for air bubbles. It goes on better and avoids drips if you take the tire off before spraying. Also make sure your rims are clean and dry.

https://www.amazon.com/VHT-SP183-Satin-Black-Wheel/dp/B000CPAV9I

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PGJWYJ0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

BIG fan of these. Inexpensive, discrete and functional. Stable. Two in my Forester, two in my Focus and had one in my F150. (Apparently I only like cars that begin with 'F')

Quick Fists. They come in a variety of sizes. Pretty cheap too! Hold up well.

I always use an adhesion promoter for plastic parts like bumpers and trim. Something like this https://www.amazon.com/Dupli-Color-CP199-Adhesion-Promoter-Primer/dp/B0007UAXJQ

I grabbed the Brightlines off Amazon when they were on sale for $70 a few months ago. They look identical to the OEM Aero bars, and even with the moonroof open, I honestly can't tell an audible difference between having them mounted or not.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07X2TX7TL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

All they have is the white one. I wanted blue :)

Yes! Got it on Amazon!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0768LCCQ1/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_02MIDbN70HMV5

Not black, but clear. I installed these with no issues and have been great.

Quick Fist Clamp for mounting tools & equipment 1" - 2-1/4" diameter (Pack of 2) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CQPANY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_BC5ACbSGPH16S

And

Northpole Light Universal Horizontal Bar Clamp Mounting Brackets Bull Bar Bumper Tube Clamp Roof Roll Cage Holder for Off Road Jeep LED Light Bar https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XRG11TY/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_jE5ACb58PJN7B


Cheap, effective, and the quickfists have a hole in them to use a lock (I use a cable lock as used often on snowboards)

There are a couple great videos on YouTube that show the crossbars you will need and how to install a cargo basket (not a box, but same idea applies).

Video 1 - Crossbar Installation

Video 2 - Cargo Basket Installation

Fitted, got on Amazon


Good deal if you don't mind doing it yourself for 200$ for fronts and rear seating.

I just did a bit of research on this yesterday, since I plan on getting new wheels/tires with a full-sized spare to rotate in. It seems you'll have to go to a tire installer to have the new set programmed in every season, or use a TPMS tool to do it yourself.

There are plenty of threads on the Forester forum, here's a helpful one:

http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f72/2014-2-sets-tpms-possible-709114/

The ATEQ Quickset TPMS Reset Tool:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008SCWXN4/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhW1GXjPEBI

I'm glad someone else likes this stuff too!

Yep, I use a cheap bluetooth OBDII adapter like this one and the $5 torque app on my android phone. The free version of torque works well but is limited. Unfortunately, for i-devices you'll need to buy a more expensive one (like obd-link) or get one that communicates to your phone via wifi.

I upload the log to Dropbox and do some quick Python scripts to analyze and plot some things.

Yes it will work.

You will need this harness:

https://www.amazon.com/20-pin-Subaru-Headunit-Harness-Steering/dp/B01D9K3L44

and this adapter box:

https://www.amazon.com/Axxess-ASWC-1-Universal-Steering-Interface/dp/B00B4PJC9K/

If you get the Metra 70-7552 wiring harness (what crutchfield.com recommends), you won't have the steering wheel control wires and you'd have to tap in to your factory wires.

I got a cheapo one from the local hardware store, just a couple of bucks, the main part is inserted into the air vents and second part is a simple metal disc that I inserted between the phone and case. I've had it a couple of years, it's small and neat and works really well IMHO.

Edit: looks very similar to this, but is unbranded and the mount part is adjustable.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00PGJWYJ0/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1518105576&sr=8-5&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=magnetic+phone+car+mount&dpPl=1&dpID=51fvW%2Bc4kzL&ref=plSrch

Double check this one. It should fit all 14-15

Curt 13144 Black Class-3 Trailer Hitch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CLMBE5A/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_K6Sdvb13XW5B8

Not sure about the ski carrier, but I've been eyeing these aftermarket OEM clone crossbars on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N3446NC

They are a bit cheaper than the buying from the dealer, and look to be identical.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0007WW69O/ref=ox_sc_act_image_2?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1 will this work?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004R34HDC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485627012&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=rola+basket&dpPl=1&dpID=51XvUDtHH4L&ref=plSrch

I have some Auxbeam LED pods on the corners and a Primeprolight 32" light bar front and center mounted up with some cheapo brackets. The wiring harness is ran along the roof basket, through the trunk, and under a ton of plastic up to the driver side dash. I drilled a hole in my blank switch to install a little flip switch.

Here are some pics of the wiring situation.

http://imgur.com/a/8GGx2

Here are some links to the lights.

Auxbeam pods:
https://www.amazon.com/Auxbeam-Waterproof-Off-road-Military-Equipment/dp/B00T62RK1U

Primeprolight 32" Light bar
https://www.amazon.com/Primeprolight-Light-Flood-Combo-Waterproof/dp/B014KTTC1E/ref=sr_1_5?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1500079310&sr=1-5&keywords=32%22+light+bar

Brackets:
https://www.amazon.com/Northpole-Light-Horizontal-Mounting-Brackets/dp/B06XRG11TY/ref=sr_1_8?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1500079337&sr=1-8&keywords=light+bar+mounting+brackets

Wiring harness:
https://www.amazon.com/Nilight-Wiring-Harness-Switch-Warranty/dp/B072M1CXQB/ref=sr_1_22?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1500079439&sr=1-22&keywords=light+bar+wiring+harness

It’s a Rola basket.

ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R34HDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_ZLb8Bb6KNJF2K

20-pin Subaru/Nissan Headunit/Radio Wiring Harness with Steering Wheel Switch wires

https://www.amazon.com/Calais-Extremely-Bright-Golden-Plug-n-Play/dp/B01CTMT01G

These are what I got, knockoffs but every it as identical and quality as the Subaru ones https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00N3446NC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1484941095&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=forester+cross+bars&dpPl=1&dpID=41Bs4jKXBFL&ref=plSrch

Take a look at this TPMS reset tool.
https://www.amazon.com/ATEQ-QuickSet-TPMS-Reset-Tool/dp/B008SCWXN4

Some people just forgo TPMS sensors and put a piece of black electrical tape to cover up the dash light.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GA2HKAU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Rola makes a decent one that won't break the bank. I ran one until I could do a "better" rack that really wasn't any better. It comes disassembled and you have to put together. The only thing you'll want to do is seal the joints with silicone as you assemble, keeps it from getting water inside.
ROLA 59504 V-Tex Rooftop Cargo Basket https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004R34HDC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4td-Bb49V7DMK

The Curt hitches are hard to beat for the price...

ex: https://www.amazon.com/CURT-13144-Class-Trailer-Hitch/dp/B00CLMBE5A

As far as your hitch is concerned, I bought this one for my mom for her 2016 Forester. It took all of 30 min to put on, and then another 15 min to hook the wiring up. There are youtube videos on how to do it. The dealership wanted $500 to do this, vs the 45 min and $110 to buy it on Amazon, so it was a no brainer.

yeah, that looks like a huge pain and really disappointing

tempted to buy the tool necessary to clone/program them myself and then sell it used

I'm assuming I would just need one of these? https://www.amazon.ca/ATEQ-ATEQ_Quickset-QuickSet-TPMS-Reset/dp/B008SCWXN4