searching to buy a used one, can the carpet be removed easily or dont bother?

[TACKETT FAMILY RANCH]

Hello, im searching the internet to find a model to purchase. in the USA- so frustrating, because every time I come across a candidate, its either missing something I deem crucial, or has some thing I don't want.
I had a perfect one lined up, and it sold before I could come see it in person-
questions: whats under the factory carpets? I take it is not an easy remove and have rubber, probably best to just buy full rubber floor mats? also anyone have a black roof in the hot parts of USA (I live in Georgia) and regret it? I found one that's almost exactly what i want,, except it has a black roof and carpets. - my minimum options are rough pack, tow package and heated seats ( all the things that are almost impossible to add afterwards) I like the safari windows, but not a must have, Trial master or similar equipped base is what im leaning towards-

 

[CrazyOldMan]

There are Florida owners with the black contrast roof. Sounds crazy to me but they said it’s not a problem. On the other hand, they’re from Florida so one has to question their judgement. Don’t know about removing the carpet. You could just put rubber mats on top of them. I pulled the mats up this weekend and cleaned the floor (I don’t have carpet) - holy crap, the sludge of a thousand trout streams, about $50 in loose change, and I think the fossilized remains of a previously unknown species of hominid was down there (I normally just wipe off the mats - I think I haven’t pulled them up since last fall). So if you have carpet and put mats down, maybe a monthly hose down would be a good call. If you plan to drive it in water - I would keep looking until you find one without carpet.

 

[Eric]

If it is a Fieldmaster (on UK spec) the carpets have sound deading material as part of the carpet material
underneath. They are not easy to remove, the front is one piece and require the center console panels to be removed, whilst the rear require the seats to be removed. That needs the battery disconnecting before you remove the seat electrics otherwise you will have warning lights that need dealer resetting. However the rubber mats will go straight in.

 

[shiv.nandak]

I have done it and can confirm what Eric said above. Rear carpet is one piece and needs the front seats out. The front carpets are connected through the center console. There are cables and lots of grommets, what was the reason for requiring vinyl? I wouldn't want the floor wet even if I had vinyl. The vinyl does make mods much easier because it comes off in sections, so you can route cables easier.

 

[Psignore00]

I bet the factory rubber or weather tech rubber floor mats on top of the factory carpet wouldn’t be too bad for keeping the interior clean, as that’s what most other off-road and vehicles in general would have. On the other hand, I like the hard vinyl floors I have and wouldn’t want to give them up.

I’m one of those guys in Florida with a black roof, but I’m also someone who was happy to give up a potential “deal” and custom order exactly what I wanted.

 

[HereinDaRockies]

Toyota trucks all have carpets… just get the weather tech floor mats… carpet shouldn’t be a disqualifier. Truck will be quieter too!

However! Those ugly af stock fieldmaster rims… that’s disqualifying!

 

[shiv.nandak]

However! Those ugly af stock fieldmaster rims… that’s disqualifying!

I powder coated the wheels black, it looks great.

 

[CRH]

I have done it and can confirm what Eric said above. Rear carpet is one piece and needs the front seats out. The front carpets are connected through the center console. There are cables and lots of grommets, what was the reason for requiring vinyl? I wouldn't want the floor wet even if I had vinyl. The vinyl does make mods much easier because it comes off in sections, so you can route cables easier.

Why would they not make the carpet just as easy remove? I'm guessing the drain plugs are still under it and of you have water in it will be more important to remove to dry them out?
When I specified a new vehicle i went with vinyl floor but ended with a used one on a good deal which had everything i wanted but it had the carpet. As I use it more as an everyday road vehicle it doesn't matter but the wife did point out it made it look more like a nice car rather than a van and also that she thought it was also quieter.
Wife happy ish, can't complain!

 

[Tazzieman]

I hate carpets. they always smell after getting a soaking.

 

[CRH]

I hate carpets. they always smell after getting a soaking.

If you could easily pull them out to wash and dry then they might not. Seems daft that they can't be removed easily

 

[Fab]

just get the weather tech floor mats

I have some in my LC200, are they still bad fitting plastic things?
Or have they improved quality.
In my Grenadier I have the original rubber mats, they fit perfectly and are great quality.

 

[bemax]

I ordered my one with carpet because I was afraid that the car would be louder without it.
I could not test drive it before the purchase as it has been one of the first to be sold here.
Now I actually like the carpet interior but use the original heavy rubber mats front and rear.
It’s a good solution if you do not drown the car(pet) regularly…

 

[rovie]

I hate carpets. they always smell after getting a soaking.

I feel the same way. I've already sprayed out the footwells with the garden hose. Pull out the plugs, leave to dry, done.