Steel Iron Gray (pics to follow on a Sunny day- if it ever comes out again here in New England).

A few questions-

There is no bump guard/strip on the doors and there is no accessory option for this either. Anyone know why Subaru went this direction? I fear my doors will get dinged/scratched up in no time at all.

Also, aftermarket mats- anyone use them? Seems to me the carpeted mats won't last long here in the Boston area.

Lastly, wheel locks. Worth it? Considering all Subies have alloy wheels, why would anyone want them?

Why there's no rub strip on the doors: looks. A lot of newer cars are going without the rub strips for a cleaner look. I'd rather have the strips, and that's one of the reasons I went with the Outback Sport, which still comes with the strips for 2006. I believe the lower body colour (including the rub strips) of the OBS is steel grey so it may be possible to just buy those from the dealer and stick them right onto your car.

I use aftermarket rubber mats in mine. Big thick ones that cover the entire footwell. Definitely recommended.

If it is any consolation the Impreza is narrower than other compact cars such as the Civic, giving you more room between you and the car besides you.

I second the rubber mats. They are great when it gets sloppy and snowy, as they hold in the water. Easy to clean, too. Just hose 'em off.

How much did you pay for your WRX limited?

I went with the Subaru All-Weather mats.
https://www.subarugenuineparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_49&products_id=133

For those in the snow belt: I was just reading today about floor "coasters" that are more like two inch deep trays that take the place of floor mats and keep pretty much all the dirt and junk off of the carpet.

I'm not sure what kind of cars they were for or if they'll be available on the aftermarket because it seems like the ones I read about where OEM pieces of some kind. Maybe someone else knows what I'm talking about.......

Sounds like you're talking about "deep dish" floor mats, like those made by Husky. I have a set of Husky mats in our RAV4. They're like a tray with raised sides, custom moulded to the car so they fit exactly. They ain't cheap but nothing gets past them.

Congrats!!! Looking forward to the pics.

I got a 2006 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport SE too!! Any preformance parts for the Outback Sport?

I think the suspension is too high and would like to get upgrade later! :banana:

My advice is to view parking lots as a long, long walking opportunity- I have two pretty good dings, and three small ones after a year and a half, and thats with being careful. I will never forget my first one: parked, wayyyy out in the back, a mom pulls up in a minivan and five year old just smacks the door into my car as i watch from 50yards, arrrrg! :furious:

Ideters,

I know it was just a little kid doing it, but you can still hold the family liable. Just because door dings are often an unreported incedent doesn't mean its right. This was the 1 in 100 chance that you actually SAW someone ding your door, you should have called them on it!

I know that sounds cruel, but i am going to be stark raving mad after my first ding.

Wag, to answer you.

if you REALLY want rub strips, you might as well just buy some no matter what color they are. They can always be painted to match by a local body shop, and then they can just stick em right on.

Aftermarket mats are GREAT. use them 5 months a year in my opinion. So are the wheel locks. At 50 bucks each, you might as well get them to protect your 20000 dollar investment