factory vs aftermarket

[buzzard]

OK ive made up my mind to buy one now do i go with the factory roofrack , rock gards or go aftermarket and how about the trailer hitch when you get a factory hitch do they do the wriring for the plug? thanks for the info

[uxo]

There is a wireing harness on the factory one.

[juniorbean]

I'd go with the factory roof rack, but would not get it from a dealer. I'd get it from trdsource.com, who is a forum sponsor. Not only are you supporting the forum, but it's cheaper to get it through him. If you want to spend more money on a rack, then I'd look at the Gobi racks. Personally I don't have a need for a rack that expensive, but if you do, that may be an option.

Same with the hitch. Go Toyota, but get it from TRDsource.com. Much cheaper then the dealer.

Rock sliders, I'd go aftermarket. I personally am looking at the All-Pro sliders. $299 shipped.... really can't beat that price.

[Kansas Law Dog]

Shipping the factory roof rack is expensive and, due to its bulky shape, many have been damaged in shipment.

There are many Toyota items that are way less expensive from TRDsource (or other supporting vendor) and very easy to install. A partial listing is: rear door storage, cargo net, floor mats, exhaust tip, arm rest, cargo cover, etc.

If you want a factory roof rack, tow hitch, security system, TRD exhaust, satellite radio (XM or Sirius), or hood protector, negotiate with the dealer. Tell the dealer you were planning on installing these items yourself, but will be willing to split the difference between MSRP and Invoice. This way he participates in some profit (for doing no more than ordering) and you save time because someone else does the install. Should the dealer play hard ball and not budge, order the FJ without the Port installs and do them yourself.

If you see an FJ on the lot with accessory installs, chances are these items were added at Port. The dealer makes 100% profit (difference between MSRP and Invoice of accessory options) on all Port installs. Obviously he won't take these items off to sell you the vehicle, so add up the port installs (both MSRP and Invoice, subtract Invoice from MSRP and divide by 2). For example MSRP and Invoice for Roof Rack, Tow Hitch, Security System and Hood Protector is $1624 and $1084. The mid price is $1354, or $270 less than MSRP. Also, add up the simple items too - floor mats, cargo net, rear door storage, etc. Accessories contribute significantly to the dealers profit line.

Some dealers are still trying to sell the FJ Cruiser at full MSRP. If the dealer won't negotiate to accept a price under MSRP in at least the amount of 50% of the difference between full MSRP and Invoice on accessories, be prepared to walk. There are dealers who will.

[fivestar13]

Keep negotiating with the dealer for the accessories installed. Don't take no crap, unless you are in a market that has tons of folks in line to buy behind you or you have to "place an order" first. But that seems to be very few and far between.

I held out for 2 weeks, and in the end they not only waived the additional charges for racks, sliders, tow pkg, but they also bought me the TRD exhaust and intake. They did not have the latter in stock but it was ordered and installed at their expense. only thing they stuck me with was the toyoguard but I'll eat $699 when the dealer is fronting me over $1600 worth of accessories.

[ididntdoit5150]

the hitch is all set up with a wiring harness. go with the stock roof rack wether you get it from the dealership for convenience or get it from trdsource for the price. as far as rockrails, get those from demello-offroad.com