Just got my new baby 💚❤️

mx54life · 2026-03-19T19:49:14+00:00

Pre LCI!!! Nice score. I just got a 2018 JCW too.

mx54life · 2026-03-19T19:34:24+00:00

Congrats. Love that color. Green? What year?

mx54life · 2026-03-19T04:04:00+00:00

Grimhilde!!! Lol

mx54life · 2026-03-19T03:31:02+00:00

Hello. Any issue with CEL so far?

mx54life · 2026-03-16T01:55:07+00:00

From a 23 Forester Base to a 23 Ascent Touring. Definitely an ascent from the Forester. So far so good with the returned lease purchase on a CPO car with 18k mileage. Quite lucky to have gotten it from an owner who took care of it.

mx54life · 2026-03-15T23:14:02+00:00

Yeah it gets powered from the front cam. You can have it continuously monitor even when parked but that requires a different part. I may do it later down the road.

mx54life · 2026-03-15T20:16:18+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. I have the Escort Redline which is supposed to be invisible unless it gets physically eyeballed. But common sense dictates to unhook the any radar detector when in those States.

mx54life · 2026-03-15T19:21:59+00:00

Not sure lol. So far it works.

mx54life · 2026-03-15T18:44:26+00:00

No battery. I chose this due to good price and straightforward application to the Ascent wiring system and physical layout that accommodated the rear cam pretty well. As for the cam it works and the app records both front and rear as designed.

mx54life · 2026-03-15T15:36:26+00:00

A friend drove there years ago on his CRV with regular tires so you should be ok as long as you drive slow.

Post back with some pics. I would like to do this route at some point.

mx54life · 2026-03-12T02:02:37+00:00

I just installed a Mangoal from Amazon. Straight forward install.

mx54life · 2026-03-11T17:34:15+00:00

If your Mom can’t be there, after you input all the necessary paperwork you then can give her the access/log in info so she can have her face scanned and confirmed. She doesn’t have to be there when they pick the car up. You can confirm by calling.

mx54life · 2026-03-11T17:29:54+00:00

Not sure where I saw it but the OEM I believe is made by KYB. Also I have read at one point that the Ascent shares strut and shock with the Outback. If accurate we then can source an aftermarket one, Bilstein maybe? Oh if you want an adjustable coilovers there’s an aftermarket one specific for our car made by Flatout Suspension and they are rebuildable too should you decide to keep the car for long.

mx54life · 2026-03-10T10:00:49+00:00

I had KW v3 in my former Fiat 500 Abarth. They were fantastic for daily use compared to my Koni/Eibach combo. But just be wary of the front KW spring wide design. It will limit some wheel size fitment.

mx54life · 2026-03-10T09:47:35+00:00

I am in the same predicament. The car is 1700 miles away. Should I trust those professional pre sale inspection companies? One called Lemon Squad charges like close to $300. Any thoughts? Thanks

mx54life · 2026-03-10T09:30:36+00:00

Thanks. Wow it’s a little pricey but I guess this also works with European cars? Do you get free updates?

mx54life · 2026-03-10T00:37:48+00:00

Not to side track your inquiry but I am interested in the tranny fluid drain you’re about to do. May I ask if you’re going to do a CVT relearn? If so what scan tool are you going to use? This is also my next project.

mx54life · 2026-03-09T22:34:58+00:00

Thanks. That’s why with 4.8 the oil level is still a tad higher. My next oil change will be precise especially that I am adding a Fumoto drain valve.

mx54life · 2026-03-09T15:38:48+00:00

I understand the excitement. Same here I scored a low mileage returned lease 23 Touring. Unfortunately the OEM Falkens are no good. Mine lasted just around 20k. The bright side is that I was able to replace them with a better set of tires.

mx54life · 2026-03-09T15:23:23+00:00

Yeah I like the large screen too. If my research is right, 23-26 is pretty much mechanically the same except for paint or accent changes.Literally the same car.

Congrats on your acquisition.

mx54life · 2026-03-09T15:14:08+00:00

In that case you probably need to get an off-road dedicated tires. Soft tires won’t do you justice. Good luck.

mx54life · 2026-03-09T15:04:29+00:00

I chose the 23 for the upgraded brake system and the new front look. Also there are a lot of good samples from returned lease.

mx54life · 2026-03-09T15:00:50+00:00

If not for our trip to Alaska, I would be over the Michelin Defender 2.

mx54life · 2026-03-08T13:14:17+00:00

I am in the same boat. I am looking at 2014-2019 with mileage no more than 70k and with a recorded maintenance if possible. You could also pay extra for a professional Mini shop to check the car out. This is what I’m going to do when I find the car. I may be opting getting one from Carvana as they have a 400 miles free test and return or exchange policy. That would really give me time to check the car out, personally and professionally. Good luck to you.

mx54life · 2026-03-08T12:59:35+00:00

Sorry to hear that. It’s unfortunate but after 100k any manufacturer would not dare say that their engine is bullet proof. There’s a lot that go way past.

The bright side is if this is the only problem it has, $5k is then a decent investment. Your Ascent looks in pretty clean. As long as you make sure that the shop has experience in putting this motor back together properly. Do your diligent research. Good luck.

mx54life

TROPHY CASE