Got my ebay REPLICA V-Limited lip on Friday. My initial feelings are that it's definitely worth the money. I owned a V-Limited for a short time and it is dimensionally and aesthetically similar if not the same. They even copied the mounting locations. I will have to comment on the mounting when the time comes.
The hardware it came with is not what I plan on using. It consists of 9 self tapping screws. To me, this seems a bit chintzy. I am going to call my Subaru dealership Monday to see if I can get just the mounting hardware for a V-limited lip. I'm assuming the hardware consists of the same if not similar pieces between 04-05 and 06-07. Even if it costs me some $$ it's still worth it because it will keep the lip better attached and will probably do a better job of keeping the lip from sagging. Plus I already have the holes drilled.
On to the comparison...
The V-limited is made of ABS plastic and it felt like it was made out of egg shell. It felt very brittle but it was light. It had a little flex to it. It was flat black in color.
The replica is made of urethane. It is definitely significantly heavier. As you can tell from the one pic, it is very flexible. It has a dark gray color and it has many surface imperfections. The imperfections are not dimples or dents, but more or less superfluous material from the manufacturing process and some scratches that would be easily sanded smooth. It is definitely begging to be prepped and painted.
I think this would do well considering the flexibility of the lip. Also it is designed for bumpers and moldings:
Bumper Paint
I took some pics and, as you can see below, it has some definite minor flaws.
How it came in the mail:
It was wrapped in plastic, bubble wrap, and then another layer of plastic.
Some manufacturing slop that can be sanded off:
V-limited original mounting points:
Edges need a little cleaning up too. Nothing that can't be sanded.
Middle of the lip:
FLEX!!!!
Hardware. At least they made an effort.
Like I said before, the only thing i'm worried about is sag. I'll keep you updated on the painting and mounting process. Then I'll post some final thoughts. Overall, I'm very happy.