tcervo

Hi...I'm new to the board, and new to Subaru's. I've ridden in many, but this is the first I've owned. I took advantage of the $2000 factory incentive on 2004 models, talked them down to $200 over dealer invoice, for a net of $1800 below dealer invoice on a 2004 Forester XS. Sweet! Now, though, I'm already thinking about all the upgrades I'd like to do, and was looking for feedback (is each one worth it or not...) Any advice would be appreciated. Here's what I'm considering (just not all at once...): Air Filtration (I like to use the outside air whenever possible, so I'm thinking this might be a good idea...plus it's less than $40.) Rear bumper corner molding (These are around $50...do they actually protect the rear bumper from anything? They look pretty small...) Rear bumper step up pad (This one I'm getting for sure...) Splash guards (How much do they help? Is it worth the price?) Hood Deflector (Does it work? Is it worth it? Does it affect gas mileage?) Moonroof air deflector (Does it really cut down wind noise when the moonroof is open? Does it interfere with ski/snowboard racks?) Racks (Mine came with factory mounted cross bars...but they're not locked. Seems like anyone with a torq wrench can get them off...so I'm wondering how safe anything would be. Would I be better off getting locking crossbars from Yakima? Also, are the stock ski/snowboard racks good, or should I go with Yakima (or other)? Brush guard (Not seriously considering due to price...but you never know. I don't plan to do too much offroading, mostly just snow driving in Tahoe. But, seems like this would help protect the painted bumper from chips. Maybe a simple bra would be better, but I'm worried about theft...I park on the street.) Speakers (I'm definitely replacing the stock 6-cd changer and front speakers. I'm considering something like Infinit Kappa, Pioneer, or Rockford Fosgate 6 1/2" door mounts. I'm wondering if I would also need the tweeter kit and/or powered sub...or if the better door mounts + 50W Alpine head unit would be good enough.) That's it for now...

I'm also considering the hood deflector. Does anyone know if it affects the gas mileage? I'd imagine, since it changes the aerodynamics, it has to affect the gas mileage at least a little bit...