2016 Land Cruiser Accessories

[Jooones]

Never thought that the process of replacing my 2002 4Runner would culminate in placing an order for a brand spanking new Land Cruiser from Japan, but here we are.


Background: Always loved and admired Land Cruisers, but never owned one. “Arty” the 4Runner now has 120,000 miles and is probably good for at least 150,000 to 200,000 more; but was feeling generous over the Thanksgiving holiday, and promised Arty to my cousin, who turns 15 this year. Vehicle shopping as a result.


Started searching here on iH8Mud, and focused on finding my long-time dream truck – a mint 60-series. Found it quickly, but before having a chance to really pursue a purchase, a family member intervened by offering to sell his 2011 Expedition for below book value. Resolved to drive the Expedition. After a few days, the fact that the Expedition is a 2x4 really starts sinking in. Wife loves it for being new and comfortable, but we’re still down a 4x4. She hates my idea that she drive the Expedition and we sell her 2014 Audi Q5 and put the proceeds towards a classic 60-series; she wants to keep her Audi. Thought of not having at least one rugged off road vehicle still bothers me.


Now back to the drawing board, looking for mint condition 60s and now 80s. At some point, a line is crossed. Wife has completely lost patience with being shown pictures on my phone of old Land Cruisers, and effectively puts her foot down. Search is now narrowed to vehicles with automatic transmissions manufactured within the last 5 years. Conversation shifts to the merits of making a substantial investment in a “forever” vehicle. Numbers are crunched, and decision is made: We’re buying a 2016 200-series Land Cruiser. Talked to the manager at the local dealership. He asks for specifications to send to Japan(!). Since this is probably the only time that I will get to do this in my life, I want to do it right. So I’m asking you, please critique my accessory choices:


tl;dr: Please let me know if there’s something I am missing, or if there’s something included here that I’d be better off buying after market.


COLORS:
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Terra Leather


EXTERIOR ACCESSORIES:
Paint Protection Film (everywhere)
Alloy Wheel Locks


INTERIOR ACCESSORIES:
All-Weather Cargo Mat
All-Weather Floor Mats


ELECTRONIC ACCESSORIES:
Key Finder
Glass Breakage Sensor
Remote Engine Starter
Wireless Headphones


TRD ACCESSORIES:
TRD Air Filter
TRD Performance Oil Filter


OTHER:
TOYOGUARD (whatever package is the best)

 

[M1911]

I wouldn't pay the dealer for paint protection.

 

[Markuson]

I'd skip the paint protector. The protector itself will fail before paint will...and looks terrible when it does.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you; will verify that skipping paint protection will not affect exterior warranty, and if not, will get local customization/restoration shop to handle. Thanks again!

Do you have any advice and/or experience with skipping port-installed features such as roof racks, running boards, and fender flares? Local shop recommends having all electronics installed at the port rather than dealership, and skipping aforementioned exterior items if possible. Wondering if that is common or if dealership will push back.

 

[Markuson]

Thank you; will verify that skipping paint protection will not affect exterior warranty, and if not, will get local customization/restoration shop to handle. Thanks again!

Do you have any advice and/or experience with skipping port-installed features such as roof racks, running boards, and fender flares? Local shop recommends having all electronics installed at the port rather than dealership, and skipping aforementioned exterior items if possible. Wondering if that is common or if dealership will push back.

That depends on your use. Frankly, there isn't much you can add to the Land Cruiser that is significant from the dealer.

The first thing I did when I got my new-to-me 200 was remove the running boards. They just get in the say in rocky off-road stuff, or deeply rutted dirt roads. But if you don't intent to take it off-road, you may as well leave them to use as a step.

The roof rack is fine, as factory racks go. I carry two kayaks on mine. I would want the rack...unless you plan on installing an after-market rack for heavier loads, etc.


The remote engine start has been discussed here recently--mainly with people annoyed that the engine turns off again as soon as you enter the vehicle. But if you want remote start for cold weather...that little re-start issue is probably worth it anyway.

 

[ryanCA]

Congrats on the 2016

So you will keep the AUDI and the Expedition?

Is there a reason to ORDER the 2016? You can't find one in inventory?

I would get the roof rack. Hopefully you don't fall under the SE or the Gulf state rule and have to pay all the crap $$ for the port installed stuff.

I would buy out of area.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you; interesting about the remote starter. On the fence about it now. Have until Saturday to decide. Work in the city, play in the woods, and 4x4 comes in handy fairly often. Hope to be able to skip the running boards.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you; no, we are going to pass in the Expedition. Two vehicles are adequate. Picky about the color, and slim pickings for that combo in the Southeast US.

Not familiar with SE/Gulf State rules. My port will be Jacksonville, FL. Is this a problem? Open to ordering from somewhere else if it affords more flexibility.

 

[karprive]

I believe the wireless headphones are standard...at least my 2016 came with them and no extra charge on the window sticker.

Also, I think all the accessories you listed are port-installed and not from the factory in Japan, so I would skip them all and just add later if desired. Regarding the remote engine start, a dealer recommended an aftermarket brand (sorry, can't remember the name) over the Toyota one, but I passed on that as well.

Can you remove/delete the roof rack and running boards? I thought they were just included in the price of the US-spec vehicles.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you; interesting about the headphones. Have not seen them included free of charge anywhere, so lucky you. Seems there is some consensus about skipping everything at the port except roof rack. Local shop says its imperative to have electronics (alarm, glass break sensor, etc.) port-installed rather than at the dealer, which makes sense; techs at the port presumably more experienced than dealer techs on average.

 

[Jooones]

And to clarify, you can specify for them not to install a roof rack, running boards, fender flares, etc. -- However that does not lower the cost of the vehicle. If understanding correctly, main point is to minimize number of holes drilled and maximizing long-term resale value. Thanks again!

 

[Tripledave]

Don't know what they charge for those floor mats but I wouldn't pay for them when a new set of Weathertechs are IMHO, the best floor protection one can buy.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you; and good call. I wouldn't be surprised if the floor mats offered are virtually identical to Weathertechs.

 

[Jooones]

ryanCA, thank you again for your reply; intrigued by your comment about SE and Gulf State regulations limiting what port techs can/cannot do. Please elaborate or send PM if you're willing to discuss offline.

 

[rhllc]

I'd guess not installing the roof rack and running boards would decrease resale value. Typical purchasers would likely want those or recognize that something was different with your particular LC than others they looked at. If you are going to install them anyway, just like the electronics, the port guys would have much more experience, templates, etc. the allow them to the job as well or better than a dealer. A high volume dealer sells maybe 5-6 LCs a year so the dealersships can't have much experience.

So if you don't want the roof rack or the running boards it would make sense to skip the install. But otherwise, I don't see a downside.

I had the remote start added mainly as a check off in case of resale someday. It seems to be a big deal in some markets and while I plan on keeping the LC for 10 years+, life sometimes happens.

I got the first aid kit, cargo net, carpeted mat "Preferred Accessory Package". I used both the first two on my LX570 and found them useful for what they are. But the mats I got are a poor enough color match to the carpet I'll probably complain to the dealer. I'm guessing they didn't have 16 mats in stock at the port? I had the Lexus all weather mats on my LX570 and thought them a poor design. The LCs look the same, so will likely go aftermarket for those this time.

I ended up ordering mine, as my local dealer had no plans to order anything but white, black and silver..... They had been burned by a red one that sat on their lot for two years. When my blue LC came it was showing up in inventory searches for about 12 hours and they had gotten two calls on it before I was able to come in and take it off their hands. So that may change. I was lucky my sales guy grabbed the keys and hid them. Apparently there was a lot of interest, by evidence of finger prints on the windows while it was on the lot that he had to have cleaned a 2nd time before I showed up. At least he managed to keep it out of the heavy test drive rotation.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you, rhllc; and wow! That is great information. Part of me wants to throw in the first aid kit and cargo net, but frugal side makes me second-guess. Glad to hear you had a good sales rep to keep the clawing masses off of your vehicle. Thank you again.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you Output Shaft; and woah. That is heavy stuff. Suppose if this one doesn't last me more than twelve years, with luck it should hold its value enough to trade for a near-mint 60 to ride into the sunset on.

 

[Jooones]

Also rhllc: love the blue. Almost went with the darker shade. What interior do you have, if you don't mind? Idea that people were calling on it in only 12 hours is unsettling. I am going to work with my dealer to keep mine off of the website if possible.

 

[Markuson]

Accessories choices are fine, but don't fool yourself into thinking a new Land Cruiser ( or any new car made today) is a "forever vehicle".

Plan on selling it before it hits it's 12th birthday max... or plan on buying a parts vehicle in about 8 years from now.

The era of "forever" vehicles is over... forever.

Oh I don't know... I think that's a little gloomy.

-My 100 was 16 years old when I sold it this year, and I am quite certain it will be around for another 10. It needed some work, but had tons of life left... Paint was perfect. Zero rust. Engine amazing. All electrical perfect. Needed new CV joints. Other than that... it was a sweet 100.

Heck.... Anyone driving an 80 series Cruiser is driving a vehicle that's at least **18 years** old or OLDER, and we still see plenty of 80 series.

"Forever" really has more to do with how you drive/use it, and how willing you are to keep it in good condition.

 

[Jooones]

Thank you again, Markuson; and to your point: Very much willing and able to nurture this LC. Vehicles are family members in my world. Back to your earlier comment, in an average year, the only use my roof rack gets is a Christmas tree. So I can definitely live without one for now. Local shop that I trust says that the fewer holes, the better; so thinking about going with it as a mantra. Now just wish I had a clear idea of exactly what occurs at the port, and will share it here if/when I find out.