Aftermarket Sunroofs

[JHZR2]

Hello,

Assuming that the installer is competent and does not hack up the structural design of the body structure, how bad of an idea is it to install an aftermarket sunroof?

The reason I ask is that my wife really likes the subaru outback wagon (was the subaru legacy wagon). The problem is that we both cant stand ATs, and so we want an MT wagon. THe other problem is that she really wants a sunroof, and you can get the sunroof either on the models that come with AT only, or on the turbo models, where MT is available, but fuel economy is lower and it has 243 hp vs 170, which is more than adequate.

One option is to buy the basic MT wagon, which can be had easily and economically, but not with a factory sunroof, and install an aftermarket one. I have seen that Webasto sells them, and Webasto is the same brand that supplied the OE sunroofs on my two older MB diesels no leaks at 22 and 24 years) and my 91 BMW.

So, what are the downfalls and issues of installing an aftermarket sunroof, assuming it was done at a reputable shop with high quality parts, etc.

Thanks!

JMH

 

[MrCritical]

I see too many water leaks, rattles, squeaks, and windnoises from aftermarket sunroofs. But some are ok.

Stay away from a sunroof company called Webasto.

 

[JHZR2]

lol, webasto has made the sunroofs that have stayed leak free for over 20 years in my MB diesels... interesting that you say they are to be avoided...

Thanks,

JMH

 

[kkreit01]

You will probably spend about 1000-$1500 for a good powered sunroof/moonroof. Ask around in your local area. Your dealer may even have a recommendation. My dealer had it listed as an aftermarket add-on. If a dealer recommends a local shop, they should be good.

You of course know the downside, and risks: leaks, rattles, rust, etc. Sure -- they all claim "warranty against leaks", but what are they doing to do -- buy you a new car with a solid roof?

 

[VVTinme]

I would just go with this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayIS...bayphotohosting
Leak free!

 

[MrCritical]

They do a lot of the factory sunroofs for GM. We refer to Acadias, Enclaves, and Yukons with the factory sunroof as "submarines".

They break. They leak, squeak, and rattle. They open and won't close. You have to purchase the entire sunroof to get most parts for it.

 

[defeated]

My mother had an aftermarket pop-up sunroof put into one of her Jeep Cherokees, and the only problem she had with it was a grotesque amount of wind noise/roaring when she tried driving at any speed with the panel completely removed. We concluded that the Cherokee was just too square and not engineered for an opening in the roof. Beyond that, she had no other issues in the 3 years that she had it, as far as leaking or excessive rattling. She went to the dealer, who contracted out witha local company - I figured it would be safer to have someone dealer recommended when it comes to cutting a hole in your roof, and, IIRC, she paid ~$500.

 

[Spitty]

I have had a sunroof in my last 3 Pickups, the first was a Webasto, the second I installed myself (I don't remember the name) the third is an original Toyota none of the rattled or leaked* and I keep my trucks an average of 15 years. The DIY installation (the sunroof was bought from a local Auto Glass shop) was intimidating, but really only an easy 1 hour job.
* I have noted some small leaks after driving with the roof open on dusty roads, the answer is to clean the rubber seal with silicone or Armourall

 

[XS650]

Quote:

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They do a lot of the factory sunroofs for GM. We refer to Acadias, Enclaves, and Yukons with the factory sunroof as "submarines".

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Reminds me of a Triumph I had. The roof leaked but the floor didn't.

 

[Spitty]

On a Triumph EVERYTHING leaks fluid, except the floor pans, that's why they installed felt under-pad to the carpet, to sop up all the water!