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Acura MDX Accessories and Modifications
I want to add side steps or running boards. I did not want to pay the premium that the dealer was charging. How good are the factory or acura brand? Anyone have thoughts about which is more sturdy steps or boards? Would I be better off purchasing a 3rd party solution? My dealer wanted $750 to put them on, I am hoping to get them for around $300 and put them on myself.
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Some people have had the side steps powder-coated.
$300? Ah, your best bet are the Manik side steps. Some think they look a bit sportier than the Acura side steps, and they're cheaper.
Was that 72 bolts on each side step or on both.
I'm thinking of installing it myself also.
But I haven't heard from anyone that actually done that.
Also the rear mud guards are not that hard to install is it?
It's 72 bolts total, 36 for each step. Some folks with the right tools have done it in under an hour.
sbcooke, do look at the Manik side steps. Some people prefer them to the OEM ones. They're a bit cheaper, but some folks have had problems waiting for them to come in.
I understand GoRhino side steps are now available for the MDX but I don't know how they look like on an MDX (too new).
There are some good pictures of stainless steel Maniks in this thread. You can page forward to see more pictures as the owner experimented with different positioning.
http://www.acuramdx.org/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2014
can anyone recommend speakers or another site where there are discussion on this?
thxs.
- For safety, make the doors lock automatically when shifting to Drive or at 20 mph (like GM and Chrysler). Seems too easy for a carjacker to enter from the liftgate.
- Click the remote only once to lock the MDX, not twice.
- Make the front windows go down when holding the unlock button on the remote (like Nissan). Great feature on really hot days.
- Come up with A/C controls that don't require an engineering degree to operate easily. A knob would be nice.
- Make the 2nd row seats fold flat (not a new idea).
- Simplify the wiper controls.
What else would you recommend?
.More space for the driver's left foot
.more comfortable front drivers seats
Thanks
I also got a good craftsman torque wrench out of the deal...so total cost was $389 + $75...not bad considering the dealer wanted $730 to put them on, and $450 to to sell them to me uninstalled.
The instructions had one mistake...they said use a 10mm combo wrench, and you actually needed a 13mm wrench, the same size as the socket. I also found it easier to tighten everything up using a screwdriver type socket driver, and then just about 3/4 a turn with the torque wrench to set all the bolts.
For those with the non-Navi LCD screens, there are some aftermarket solutions, though they all come with their own screens. I've seen one that clips to the rear view mirror.
I wonder if we can get the package without the trailer hitch? I definitely want to get a "hiddenhitch". At least there are some decent modifications available for DIY'ers.
The light seems okay and don't have a desire to upgrade to HID as of yet.
We couldn't wait so we looked around. We had a bad experience at Niello Acura (they wanted to charge finance charges even before the car arrived at the dealer...defaulted first payment due in 45 days not 30 days .. TG that I didn't sign the original agreement to buy from them.. canceled all thoughts after finding a better deal with the next dealer).
I called five other dealers that Sun and visited Acura of Serramonte and found there's a '03 Touring coming in the following week so we booked it.
Got that SUV on Halloween. The big guy (boss) Mark threw in the wheels locks and cargo tray w/o added cost as a gift so we help him closeout the books for month end. (not sure if the charges other people for it but if you buy on the spot, he will ding it)
I learned to always look for the big guy...we had visited the same dealer and talked to other manager and he insisted in Touch of Class on all SUV or no sale plus many DIO. Of course, pure bs.
Btw, I ran into a hassle with Peoplefirst.com, the dealer did not take it. Some dealers do take them. Check them out first before you buy, it will save lots of grief (found out at the last min... salesman is not always right).
Still you can talk to the dealer and see if Peoplefirst will give you a certified Check. Most dealers would take that but you have send your orig. check back first. (2-3 day process + fees).
I like the Peoplefirst.com customer service and wanted badly that they take it. Besides the great rate, it was very easy to pay for the car.
But some dealers do take them because they have bad experience with a few of them. Check with their Finance person first.
Cancelled the Hopkins deal, the salesman was not happy and before I finished my two sentences he clunk down my phone. I'm still waiting for that $1000 refund (don't really like far out deposits).
Found the steel version at hondaacuraworld and wondered if anyone put them on.
1. How does it look (solid or cheap)
2. How easy/hard was it to put on?
I would like something on the wheel area to avoid dings (black paint and all).
I did get them to put on the side moldings to avoid nasty door dings. They also through in matts, pet divider and rear cargo mat.
The side steps actually looked more "cool". It's quite easy to install if you have 2 hrs and a racket and wrench.
Also, look for Tim. I had ordered running boards and got side steps from another salesperson at the shop. But I am happy with the side steps too.
They have lots of products for all Acura/Honda besides the MDX. Overall, I'm satisfied with their service and the condition where the products arrive.
Running boards were very easy to install. Time consuming though about 3-4 hours total. I went out and bought a torque wrench for the project, which is now an added bonus any time I need one. The savings were so huge through Hondaacuraworld, it was awesome! No drilling, everything just bolted in. There was no shipping charge and they got to me in about 3 days.
Check out hondaacuraworld.com website on the instructions.
Read the info very carefully, it should do it.
I didn't install the rack but reading the instructions you have to be careful not to scrap the paint.
When installing it says to only tighten the frame attachments 3 or 4 turns...it seems wrong and I turned them about 1/2 way in, only to have to go around and loosen them up...this allows the board to be installed, then you tighten them up. The instuctions are right for this, instinct is what screws you up.
Definitely a great DIY project, all bolts and you will like the results. You need a torque socket wrench, if you want. 24 Nm is about 1/2 a turn past tight...I justified the cost (about $60 for a good craftsman) by how much I saved buying them online and doing them myself.
It's a pdf printable file.
I notice that even while driving the rear window gets rear window gets rain on it. I am hoping to add a deflector and keep the window clear while driving. Does the air deflector alleviate that? Does the change in air flow effect driving?
I think the controls for the rear wiper could use improvement also. It is ok for one time use, but not many times in a row.
I have also noticed that when you use the washer or clean the rear window at gas stations, muddy dirt gets on the rim below the glass and the tailgate.
I heard that not all the pieces fit that well.