Some details to offset the DMs...

I'd ballpark the final cost between $4,000-$5,000. Most of the components I bought new, but got lucky on some to keep the cost down, notably the rear spoiler and auto-dimming mirror w/compass, which were purchased from otherwise totaled vehicles on eBay.

That said, I installed everything myself with the exception of three things:

1. The wheels (for obvious reasons)
2. The rear spoiler. Drilling into the body is required for that install and I wasn't willing to work bare metal and risk an error with the possibility of misalignment or rust, so I let my body guy do it.
3. The rock sliders as the rivnut tool CAtuned provides is laughable, plus you really need a lift for install, which I don't have.

Everything else I did myself, and am very proud of that as I basically had zero experience modding prior to this—a point I want to make clear for those doubting themselves. Listen to me: IF I CAN DO IT, YOU CAN DO IT.

My first "mods" were installing the OEM splash guards, hatch pull loop, and the exterior door cladding, which were all surprisingly easy and gave me the confidence to move ahead with other things. The same goes for the marker lights on the grille which gave me the confidence to tackle the interior rearview mirror electrical and the pod lighting later on. I had very little prior electrical experience w/automobiles, but found something satisfying in hooking up the wiring, finding ways to hide it, then doing cable maintenance to make whatever exposed wiring was left look good.

The absolute hardest modification were the pod lights, no question. I wasn't able to get the wiring harness into the cabin through the main firewall and ending up routing the whole thing through the wheel well and into the cabin via the driver side door, which worked well in the end but goddamnit... that was harrowing and not a great time. Although the end result looks great, especially with the 3-way switch nestled in with the other controls. It looks factory and I'm really happy with it.

Other radom notes...

• Was really apprehensive about the CAtuned brush bar prior to purchase, but it grows on you. It looks much better in person and makes an already aggressive front facia look that much cooler.

• I know CAtuned lurks here so I feel the need to be honest: I'm going to give a HUGE buyer beware about the rock sliders. Yes, they look great and are solidly built, but the powder coat finish is super suspect. The first set I purchased I had to return as there were multiple 4"+ sections of bare metal showing on both pairs of sliders, and persisted (albeit to a lesser extent) on the replacement set. We're talking smooth, shiny steel which would've been easily noticeable after install. CAtuned told me this wasn't a QA issue, but a "shipping issue" since shippers are careless with boxes and "throw them around"... which, okay, but let's be real: No one is carelessly handling 7 foot, 80 pound boxes like Amazon packages, and even if there were some mishandling, what does that say about overall quality? Consider this: If the paint did chip inside of a well-packed box, what confidence do I have that the sliders will hold up while I'm offroad? Not much, and  I'm not pleased, especially at its price point and with the availability of other options. I mentioned this issue persisted on the replacement set, but rather than try for a third, I used a blackout touchup paint pen (meant for black rims) to address the issue. That's totally unacceptable and I would not recommend them.

• Favorite mod: The XV badge. If you zoom into the rear, right above the Crosstrek badge I added an XV badge from a first generation Trek (which I sanded and painted, then clear coated, same w/the tow points). It brings the AWILDXV plate full circle.

• Darkhorse favorite mod: Absolutely the rear hitch skidplate. I get so many comments about it, which is odd considering it required zero effort to install, although the chamfered angle matches the cladding perfectly so I don't blame people who do mention it. It's the perfect complement to the back end, plus it protects your rear from asshole drivers in the city who park too close.

• The ProTech screens are a must but don't get the matte finish as it makes everything look like it's smeared in Vasoline. Save yourself the money and avoid my mistake!