3rd Gen A.R.E. vs Leer/Century

Hey guys,

I'm really thinking about a cap for my AG DCSB. I priced the ARE CX and CX Evolve, as well as the Leer 100R and 100XR. They didn't have any to look at so I've spent hours looking at threads all over TW and seen some issues with some of the caps, particularly the ARE CX. Sounds like at least earlier in the 3rd gen they had some fit issues, like this post: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2016-a-r-e-cx-canopy-design-mpg-issue.411132/

I also noticed when when viewed from the rear side, i'd say especially the 4 o'clock or 8 o'clock position, the shape of the cap seems weird where it meets the cab, like it curves oddly about 2-3 inches from bottom.

Post 7571 on this page: https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/show-me-your-shell.13598/page-379 shows some pics that show the curve I'm talking about, as well as what appears to be the cap being higher than the roof of the truck.

The topper guy I talked with said he feels like the Leers are better on the Tacoma, but I thought he was up-selling me. I was pretty much sold on the ARE, the price is significantly lower, like 20% lower than the Leer. Then I started looking at pictures here, and I kind of think the Leer does look better. I also discovered Century today, which is apparently a Leer, but seems like they might be lower priced? I have a dealer nearish to me, but I haven't been able to talk to them since it's the weekend.

Any input? I wonder if in reality it's not as bad as some of the pics I've seen, but once I looked at the thread above started by @pocketsmcaaron I can't really unsee that it seems like most of the ARE caps are a little tall. I've spent most of a year watching for a used 3rd gen to be available in Michigan or Ohio, and the only one I found was bright orange and $1900, so not really an option.

 

My ARE in MGM was so off in color, it is back at the factory for repaint. I had the shop take it right off. If color match is not important to you, then go ARE.

 

This is my Leer 100XQ. I specifically chose it because the side window matches the shape of the rear cab door window. And, also, the option of the shell lock can be tied in with my keyfob. I then removed all of the leer logos and added the graphics to match the truck.

 

I have owned a few Leer and more recently an ARE CX. While I like the back door on the ARE, the build quality is horrible. The bottom was not sanded and finished evenly, and the paint color is off. I saw it when I picked it up earlier this year, but I use/need my truck for work and hobbies and could not go any longer without a canopy. I accepted it as-is.

I regret my decision and would never buy another ARE. Of those two choices, I would recommend the Leer. I agree, I think the Leer look better on the taco.

 

She’s a beaut, Clark. That’s a fine looking rig you have there, and your Leer looks really nice. Since that’s the top of the line model, I have to imagine that one set you back a stack of bills!

 

I’ve noticed the bottom edge on a few AREs, there aren’t as many Leers around, so I don’t know if I just don’t see them or don’t notice the bottom edge because it’s better.

 

I asked my dealer about the color match and told me they paint it from a code and it is what it is when it gets here, he didn’t make it sound like there were any options to send it back. He also said they’re usually pretty good, but I’ve been looking at picture and see a lot that seem off.

 

The Leer 100XQ looks like it was designed specifically for the Tacoma.

 

The part I dislike on my ARE is the inside trim around the front window, looks like a child installed it without instructions. Good thing it was cheap.

 

Oh, it’s gorgeous, I didn’t even price it out. The 100XR was $3673, I assumed the XQ would easily be $4000+. The CX Evolve that I priced was just over $3000. Maybe the ARE is cheaper for a reason.

 

I’ve seen a few like weren’t great, like the aluminum got crushed by the guy tightening the screws too much.

 

Yes! That is a good description. Zero pride went into that work.

 

yes these things aren’t cheap, unfortunately.

 

here's another photo of what i was referring to in my post above.

in the middle on both sides of the ARE CX canopy, the center has been sanded about 3/8" more than the front and back ends. this is very noticeable when viewed from the sides.

 

It seems like they’re way more expensive than they were before Covid.

 

Holy hell!

 

last photo, a view from the side

 

I'm not even going to look at mine.

 

I just bought a used(3 yrs old) aluminum ARE DCU and it’s the same way, a gap starting in the front and gradually decreasing toward the back. Comparing aluminum to fiberglass but still, WTH

 

Good idea, the longer you look the worse it gets