Forester - Factory Tint

It is standard - very light here in the NE might be darker in hotter climates.

From my experience (2005 Forester XT purchased new in the desert Southwest USA) the Subaru side/rear window tint is for all purposes, pretty much non-existent, and they don't offer a deeper tint option on rear windows like is optional with other manufacturers.

My other car is a Dodge Caravan which has a tint band on the windsheild top, light tint on driver & passenger windows, and a deep tint glass on all other windows. (50 states legal) Granted, that was an extra $$ option.

I added an aftermarket tint film to my Forester. A while ago, I questioned Subaru USA as to why they don't offer a Forester deeper tint option, but got no answer. (Honda, Toyota & other imports offer it for US models. No idea why Subaru declines it)

BTW, Subaru has the radio antenna mounted on the window. Some folks say using metallic window films can adversely affect radio reception.

Formula One film makes a convincing argument for their Pinnacle series which uses a non-metallic, ceramic material so as not to degrade or disrupt radio signals. Go to

and click on Series for their story.

Don't bother with the factory tint. Get an aftermarket application from a pro. My Subie came with the "tint package" and it is utterly useless for reducing sun glare and heat. Go to a local shop that can give you a window treatment that will work MUCH better that what Subaru provides.

Cool.

Do aftermarket tints imbed between the glass panes, or something that won't appear to peel?

It is a film attached to the inside of the glass. It has a water activated adhesive on it. A good shop will advise you on care and may have a long or lifetime warranty. Some films (mettalic) may interfere with radio reception if a car has in-glass antennas. The ceramic films(others?), while more expensive, will not interfere with AM radio reception. If you live in a southern state, ask around any other car owners about their experiences with tints and installation shops. Also, by mentioning your location here, or over at the appropriate forum at

you may have suggestions pertaining to install shops as well as local tint regulations.

Carl

Quality tint shops guarantee no peel. It's all in the application.

I've tinted my last 3 cars with 3M film applied by a local detail shop, and 8 years later it looks great. I scratched one window on my Subie, and they replaced the film for $20.

I still drive by my 2001 Subie (at it's current owner) and it still looks good, my '05 Tacoma is outstanding.

Good shops will also follow the defroster lines on the rear window, so you won't see any seams.