Ordering an ARE "Z" series topper

Went to the ARE truck topper site and have decided to spend $$$ on a new factory color matched ARE "Z" topper.
Also watched the ARE factory video, "sipped some of the koolaid" hahaha...on how they produce their products. Pretty cool video to say the least. It appears they really take pride in their product. Will add the fold down slider window for ease of cleaning and just maybe the Yakima roof rack...jury is still out on the roof rack system. I will go by the dealer tomorrow to negotiate price/order my ARE "Z" topper.

Will post pics after the "Z" arrives and is installed, they say in 2- 2.5 weeks.
Thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. Its been awhile since I have purchased a topper and would like to get it right given the cost.


Punted on going by LEER dealer, went right to ARE ordered the "Z" topper with fold down slider for ease of cleaning both windows. Nixed the roof rack, just could not justify the cost for the minimal use. Take delievry around 15 March. The purchase/dealership experience was superb. I will post pics and a brief review after the "Z" is installed.

 

That sounds a bit pricey to me.

I have a Leer 100XQ, which is their top line topper, and with the fold down window, mine was only $1,560 installed in 10/08. Can't imagine prices have gone up that much given the state of the economy.....

 

I actually researched a LEER topper and had two former LEER dealers tell me that they dropped LEER due to quaility control issues. Not saying LEER is a bad topper, just what I learned during my research. Actually was lookoing at he LEER product from the start.

Had an ARE before and never had an issue. For what its worth.

 

ARE is a great line, and I looked at them too, just sounds a bit over priced compared to the other "major brands" on the market.

Did you get pricing from more than 1 dealer?

 

Got my Z last year with a Yakima rack system, vented windoors on each side, fold down front slider, dual interior lights, and a carpeted head liner for exactly what you just said. They will wheel and deal for sure. I talked them down on mine. I also didn't get in a hurry and made them sweat it a little until they came down to where I was happy.

check out mine in my photo gallery.

also, make sure you go through this thread before you order>>>> http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/13598-show-me-your-shell.html

 

My Z series

 

My CX A.R.E is in waiting for me to pick up. Total price was 1432, I got the fold out side windows. Asked about the roof rack, wanted 600 dollars, for that I'll use my trailer.

Mike

 

Nice looking rig!

 

Just to clarify, I checked my records and I actually have the 'V' series. I don't know if it makes a difference, but I have a SB also. I'm not sure on the difference in price between the two anymore.

 

Mike, your account wouldn't accept a pm. So quick question, what brand is your cargo hauler?Thanks.



David, sorry to derail your thread.

 

Had a Z series on my 06 gmc 1500 and was really happy with it. I agree, they're a bit pricey, but build quality is top notch. I sent the gas lid to them for color match, which they claim gives a more accurate match. Ironically, my friend who ordered the CX just has his color matched by paint code and it turned out better than mine. Either way, a worthwhile purchase.

 

recently I priced leer and ARE. OTD Leer was $2423 for the cap, rack, sliding fold down rear window. ARE was $2319 for the same set up. These prices were from Monroe, NC not far from the OP

 

Taco4x4; check the A.R.E. web site. They usually have a printable coupon good for a free upgrade, such as free fold down slider, etc. You have to print it and present it when you order your cap.

 

Thanks Buzz, the price in my post is with the printed coupon might have to try some negotiating with the ARE dealer. We'll see what happens and I will post on results tomorrow. Thanks for the tip anyway. I think they have gone up a bit. I also called another ARE dealer here in NC and they were $20.00 less out the door. That would not even cover the gas $$.

 

well how'd ya come out?

 

After checking the price at two different ARE dealers, I ended up with $1931.00 OTD. A little high but I had budgeted 2k for the topper. So there you have it. I was really impressed with the design of the "Z" series rear door. Appears to have a very strong and durable hidden hinge and locking system. Take delivery around the 15th of Mar. The dealer, Gastonia Auto Glass has excellent customer serivce. I highly reccomend this store.

**Also ordered a set of 5100's yesterday from Sonny at Downsouth motorsports yesterday. Between the additional 190lbs the topper will add the Billy's all the way around this should all work out nicely. I will set the fronts at 1.75 and roll. Probably run the stock tires and rims until the stockers wear out. Have to see how it looks after the Billy's are installed.

 

^Sounds like you came out ok. Post some pics when you get it all on. Decide to skip the Yak racks?

 

Pics fourth coming in a few weeks. They are not giving aways the "Z" toppers thats for sure.

 

I choked while coughing up the coin for mine too, but now that it's been there a while, I'm very happy with the investment. We are even going to use the rack this summer, (that I never expected to use).

 

I bought an ARE Z series last yr and like it a lot- looks great IMO. I only got the fold down sliding front window option and I paid ~$1650 including tax and install. IIRC the dealer said the price was $150 over his cost- but I have no way of verifying that. Other dealers in my area wanted ~$2100 for the same shell, so shop around. Leer's similar model was about the same $, about $2k.