My Monogram FR-S Minimalist Build

[2nd Gen Scion]

Hello!!! I'm so happy I have a Manual Monogram Series, Raven, FR-S bone stock! I didn't want any modifications to raise the price since I knew I could get everything aftermarket at much less than what the dealership would charge. This is my second new car, my first being a Manual 2005 Scion xB RS 2.0, had it for 9 years . It is quite a change from my old car but like my last car I know I will love it every minute I have it. I will get some more pictures asap, was waiting for a non-rainy/windy day to go and take some pictures (looking at this weekend).

My items that I first want to buy are items that will protect my car and getting them sooner than later will be most beneficial. Overall I like a car that looks like it doesn't have many mods on it, if it does, they need to complement the entire package of the car. I'm a minimalist when it comes to looks but functionality it better be able to do anything and everything!

Time Line:
03/20/2014 - Purchase - Honestly that day my goal was to go in and see how much everything would be (taxes, tags, etc), not to actually buy the car...
03/31/2014 - Uh Oh - Not 1.5 weeks later my coworker lost control of her door on a windy day and dinged my driver's side door

04/04/2014 - First Bath -Full clean/clay/wax (though I'm pretty confident that I did a horrible job)
04/05/2014 - Joy Ride - Drive to Skyline Drive, VA and take pictures with a camera phone by someone who does not take pictures... http://imgur.com/a/jy86D

My thoughts on the options I'm thinking about getting (these pictures are temporary, until I can take pictures of the installed parts on my car):

Must Buy SOON:

1. Mud Guards - protecting the side of the car from rocks from my wheels, as well as keeping it clean.
   
2. Rear Bumper Appliqué - Subaru version - I'm confident that I won't have any issues with scratching my bumper, however, I like the extra layer for peace of mind. I want the Subaru version because it doesn't have the Scion logo, not that I don't like the scion logo just trying to keep that minimalist aspect.
   
3. Paint Protection Film - I'm not 100% I want to go this route yet as it is quite expensive up front in my mind (I realize in the long run it is cheap). I'm debating if waxing it more often would be sufficient or perhaps just do a sealant coat. Suggestions?
   
4. Arm Rest - Though there is only 1 arm rest I want, the one that slides out of the way on a track, I <3 my cup holders too much to have an arm rest that takes them up.
   
5. Tint - I'm thinking 35% all the way around + legal strip on the windshield. Though I'd like to see in person what others have.

Eventually:

1. Front Lip - I don't know if they make many different versions of these, I like the way they add to the front end of the FRS.
   
2. Helix Side Markers - I think the Clear ones would look nice.
   
3. Tail lights - The ones I was looking at are Valenti the black/orange. But I need to do more research on it.
   
4. Hood Struts - Must. Get.
   
5. Red Stitched Handbrake Boot - This.
   
6. GT86 Badge - If I don't do this, I will just de-badge the FR-S. I kinda wish the Scion logo didn't have the line up holes behind it so I could also de-badge that too.
   

On the Fence:

1. Fog Lights or DRL LED Strip ??? - I know I want one of these. Since I have a monogram series I think the dual LED strips would look very cool, but the fog lights have that functionality. Suggestions?
   
2. CAI/New Filter - From my browsing I see that just replacing the filter is all that is needed.
   
3. Rear Diffuser - Don't know, hmm...
   
4. Exhaust - I want to wait until I hit the 1k mile mark and see how the default exhaust sounds. I used to have a loud exhaust on my old xB and I loved it, but I think what I'm looking for now is a nice rumble with the potential of being loud if and when I choose it to be. I don't think I want those big pipes sticking out the back of my car, so it'd have to be a nice compliment to the back as well.
   
5. Red Stiched Handbrake Lever - I'm not sure how I feel about this. There is no stitching there to begin with, so I feel it is just trying to get more stitching in where it is not needed. So I think I'm leaning towards not getting this mod.
   
6. Big Break Kit - Now the only reason I have this on here is because it looks so beautiful having these on behind the rims, and I realize you can buy caps to go over your stalk brakes, but that seems fake to me and don't care for it. But I also have no need for big brakes, though maybe I would if I took it to the track? Regardless if I get it, it'd have to be black.
7. Wheel Locks - Necessary? Doubt it.

So I guess you can say I have a small plan, well small to some others on here. Do you have a suggestions? I'll be updating when I get and add these parts of course, or any other major changes.

[2nd Gen Scion]

Forgot to post a pic of my car!

[Cycotech]

Pretty good mod list you have here. I feel sorry for what happened to your car. I feel your pain. I went to get my car windows tinted and they scratched/gouged my car and went through the paint to where I can see metal. I'm getting my car repaired right now and it feels like its been forever! I prefer the fog lights but everyone has their own opinions.

[Burrcold]

Congrats on the purchase, and shitty that you have a door ding already! As for a few things on your want list. I would definitely say to do the paint protection film. No amount of waxing or opti-coat (or other sealants) will protect against this paint. You will have stone chips very quickly. Also, you may want to see if you can find someone with that armrest. It looks like it sits much higher than most of the other offerings, and might be uncomfortable. Just speculating though.

[userjack6880]

Hey, black car, driver's door ding buddy. I got one a few weeks after I first got the car... in a similar shot. Now you notice why almost all of my photos now are on the passenger side...

[2nd Gen Scion]

Ha! Yah, I'm actually going to stop by a couple of body shops today just because I'm so irritated by it. Not for the fact that I have one, but that I got it so soon. If it is going to cost close to $100 I am not going to get it fixed. Also the person who hit me (my coworker, while I was in my car) didn't take the blame for it just said "oh good, nothings there"...

As long as I get it fixed I'll be happy.

[Annahra]

If this were my coworker, she would be paying for me to have it fixed.

[Cycotech]

You need to show her how much its going to repair the ding and make her pay for it. She's probably going to feel guilty about it. My repairs is costing me $916 Good news though I be getting my car today

[2nd Gen Scion]

No no, I can't do that. I'm a new employee, and I'm too nice. I wouldn't have been so upset if she just accepted blame, I still would have paid for it to fix.

[subiestyle]

You don't have to make her pay, but you gotta tactfully let her know that there is damage she caused, and you are letting it slide.

[userjack6880]

Yeah, I just ignore the dent. Threw a bit of touch-up on it (it went down to the primer) and clear, polished it up, and called it a day. Several people havn't noticed it until I blatantly pointed it out to them. It's less noticeable when the car's dirty too.

Eventually, one day, the car will get a new finish, and the dent will be removed. But not right now. I'm just going to enjoy the car regardless.

[2nd Gen Scion]

That is a good attitude to go about it. Thanks all. It seems this is more focusing on the damage to my car. My attempt was to get some thoughts about certain mods on the car but I appreciate the feed back and will take it into consideration.

[kALMIGHTY]

As far as the fog lights or the LED strip goes, unless you ACTUALLY get fog on a regular basis where you live, there is no reason to get fog lights. Our cars' headlights are low enough compared to most cars that just the low beams alone are good enough "fog lights" in a way.
At that point, it's merely a cosmetic choice, so pick what you like best. Although I'd recommend the LED strip to go with your LED headlights.

[Cycotech]

Originally Posted by 2nd Gen Scion

No no, I can't do that. I'm a new employee, and I'm too nice. I wouldn't have been so upset if she just accepted blame, I still would have paid for it to fix.

Oh, I didn't know you were a new employee. Have you found out how much it's going to cost to repair the dent?