There's not much room on the rear hatch for a lip mount since the top half of it is glass. I do have a plastic luggage rack that runs parallel to the sides of the vehicle, but that's not really one of my preferences as I think it looks funny if I have one antenna on each side making it look like a football goal. Plus I have to find a way to get coax into the cabin from the roof, pretty much impossible unless I drill a hole somewhere or run the coax through the hatch and run the risk of the coax getting pinched a few too many times.
I am considering fender mounts, even though I think they look a little ridiculous (to me).
Realistically the bank does have the right to charge me for an entirely new OEM roof as they specify that the vehicle should be returned in pre-lease condition, not just with the holes plugged up. I imagine a brand new roof can put some pain in the pocketbook.
I could call the bank and see what their guidelines are, but the agreement is that any scratches, dings, or dents more than 1" long/wide and more than $100 of damage is considered excess damage or wear, but holes and punctures regardless of size are chargeable. I don't expect the bank's customer service rep on the phone would know much about antenna mounts but I can ask about 3/4" holes and see what the cost would be. There has to be someone there that could tell me or provide something in writing.
I imagine I'd purchase the vehicle at the end of the lease since they already quoted me for the purchase price and it's very reasonable. Of course if I end up purchasing, this is a moot point. But the two exceptions to this purchase would be if a) the finance agreement/payments (including interest) was unreasonable by 2014, or b) if the cost of parts and maintenance of an aging 4x4 Jeep is significantly more than a Ford, Chevy, or Dodge.
Tell me more about the rubber plugs... how well do they work? Do they come in only black?
Anyone used 3/8" NMO mounts instead of 3/4" mounts? Much of a difference?
Thanks all for the replies... I have an appointment to get these radios installed on August 3 regardless whether it's a fender mount or roof mount so any feedback is appreciated in the meantime.