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[cpl55]

Hello, all -

I am a future FJ owner, will be shopping for one in September when my LR3 lease ends. I like the utility of an SUV, and will do some dirt track/gravel driving sometimes but nothing very hard core. (And I'm in CA, so the weather is never very extreme). I just wanted some advice on how easy/difficult it might be to find the spec I want... (I don't want to spend $3 or $4k on the higher-end packages, because I plan to put in my own head unit, speaker and amp.)

Basically, I prefer a 6-speed MT. I know those can be difficult to find, so I would accept AT if it comes to that. I want the convenience package, but beyond that all I really care about is the 17-inch alloy wheels. Have you found that many dealers have specced them that way - sort of bare bones but with the upgraded wheel? Or have you had any luck with the dealer swapping them out for you at time of purchase? I appreciate any thoughts on the best way to do this. I definitely want to work with them on dealer stock rather than ordering it, as I'm hoping to work a good deal.

Also, do many of you get the $495 dealer/factory-installed alarm? Can that be installed easily on your own? (i.e. is it pre-wired for the OEM alarm?)

Thank you for any insights!
Christina

[Z'sFJ]

Welcome to the forum. Your best bet is to sit down with a dealer and order the model that you want. Most dealerships won't have what you are looking for. Not all of them are high end models, but the low end versions generally will have more options than what you want. 6MT's aren't that hard to come by. Some dealerships have more than others. As to the alarm system I want to have it put in mine at some point. Looking at the instructions you basically take apart the interior to put it in. Not something that I want to do. I hope this helps you some!

Zane

[Voight Kampff]

cpl55 previously said:

I want the convenience package, but beyond that all I really care about is the 17-inch alloy wheels.

The packages you want are CQ (Convenience Package - $1840 list/$1472 dealer cost) and AL (17" Aluminum Wheels w/Spare Tire - $650 list/$520 dealer cost).