Forester window tinting?

Many films are 'metallicized' and will interfere with reception. I've read it may only interfere with weak/moderate strenght AM radio - not sure. Ceramic films like Huper Optik will have no effect on reception, but are $$$. Not knowing where you are located, I can't comment on whether you can get by without it. If your previous car had it, and your neighbors and coworkers have tint - I'm sure you would prefer it on the Forester as well.

Carl

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 glass option on rear windows like is optional with other manufacturers.

My other car is a Dodge Caravan which has a tint band on the windshield top, light tint glass on driver & passenger windows, and a deep tint glass on all other windows (50 states legal). Granted, that was an extra $$ option. The factory option is built into the glass and is not an applied film.

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) . The film DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE, and I would highly recommend 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

If you are in the area, these folks did an outstanding job on my install: Nevada Window Tinting

The FormulaOne website has a dealer locator.

Well to be 50 state legal for an automobile the tint has to pass 70% light. The laws for MPV - "A vehicle such as a recreation vehicle such as a pickup truck including GMC Suburban's, Nissan Pathfinders, Extra Cab Trucks" exempt the 70% requirement for windows behind the driver. My Ford Ranger had privacy tint on the rear and supercab side windows from the factory as it was an XLT model. I can't find any offers of a factory dark tint for Honda, Toyota, or other imported cars. I do see the tint on the minivans, SUV, and truck models. While Subaru does certify the Legacy Outback as a truck now, the Forester is still a car, or station wagon as it says on my Illinois title, or as State Farm list it as a sport wagon.

Blair