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Acura MDX Accessories and Modifications
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Comments
Also installed rear wind deflector (we call it a spoiler) just for looks - we didn't have it painted, especially because we see an older gold MDX with painted fender flares that are very scuffed. When I talked with Tim at Hondacura, he honestly said that there was no way to guarantee the durability of aftermarket paint.We like the black on sandstone metallic look, so we didn't feel badly about the paint issue.
Dealers are starting to match parts prices with internet sites. We paid a little more than hondacura, but were able to get a lower install rate by buying parts at the dealer and using their coupon. We'll buy other accessories from Tim.
We got the side mouldings when we purchased the vehicle, and they've taken some stress without chipping or denting. The paint on these is factory, and doesn't seem to have the chipping factor. The paint was a perfect colormatch to our car. Good investment for the cost, and we like the look.
Re: 04 hands-free phone - does anyone know if it will be available to earlier years, or is it factory installed? Thanks!
I am going to get a hiddenhitch about $100, and a thule 996 expressway rack about $230.
The only issue now is whether or not to put the towing package in or not? I don't think so and my dealer also confirmed it? Any opinions?
The tow package does include a transmission cooler (as well as a steering cooler) that does help the vehicle regardless of whether or not it's towing.
The hitch is another story so far. I ordered it from etrailer.com...a new online vendor for me. The order has been processed, but no details regarding shipment. When I called to get further status they said they would have to check to see if it was back ordered? When I ordered I asked if it was an in stock item...and they said yes. Not a huge deal, but I was hoping to get a Monday-Friday turnaround on both items. If it is back ordered, I will cancel and get it from somewhere else.
The Thule, I ordered from a local sports store for $234 including tax which co-incidentally arrived yesterday as well. I'll probably pick it up today or tomorrow.
I'll try to mount the hitch/wiring this weekend.
I am going to call Hondacuraworld to see if I can get the towing package separate from the hitch setup they offer.
I may have missed it, but do you have or are adding the towing package? I missed your earlier post #103 and didn't realize we were ordering the same setup until today.
I don't see why one can't order the coolers seperately but ya never know. Keep us posted. If price is reasonable enough, I might get 'em as well.
The stealers installed accessories are way too much(at least at my dealer) where they charge $1295 for the sidesteps.
He can also feed the video onto the navigation screen. I'll try to see him next week to actually see the products.
I chose a portable unit so that we would only use it on long trips...and wouldn't have kids pointing at the screen and saying "now, now, now" on shorter trips.
The drawback is that you cannot really see it from the 3rd row. However we rarely use the 3rd row, and when we do it is only on short trips.
Why do you want to keep the tie down bar? The hitch can function as a towing point by using the hitch pin or using a D ring attached to it. I'm sure you can get longer bolts if you really want to keep 'em since there is no other place to mount that bar.
I guess you are right about the d ring or pin. So it isn't as "hidden" as other hidden hitches? Are you happy with how it turned out?
Compare to the ones I had on the Trooper which was completely hidden where you could only see the hitch hole, this one is not. The look is not bad from the rear tho.I'm little bit disappointed on the side view where some of the metal also shows(I might have a friend's garage trim the plate if possible). I need to see how the oem looks to really make my final opinion.
My hitch arrives tomorrow! Thursday install.
I ordered 2 hitches, one for me and the other for a friend with a MDX. I got the hitch on, but the last hole for the bolt on the non-muffler side was off by almost 3/4 of an inch. The bracket must have gotten bent somewhere? I first tried loosening all the bolts, pulling it into position, but no luck. So I tried the second one, it fit perfectly.
I called etrailer...they will ship a replacement, but they wanted me to try to bend it back into position first...haha...I told them I tried a little but it was more than I was comfortable doing since this is supposed to support a lot of weight, be new, easy fit, etc.
I am waiting for a call back to iron out the details of getting a replacement. If it all goes smooth, I won't have any gripes, I just hope they don't give me the runaround.
Manhattan Acura told me all of the above was not true (except that these are aftermarket).
Anyone know?
Has anyone had any experience w/this?
I would put these on for looks or for protection from brush...not for bumper protection. I don't think they should void the warranty. But with any add-on...if that can be pointed to as the cause they may not warranty the specific thing that breaks, but for example it should have no effect on the transmission coverage.
I put a full steel bumper on my Trooper rather than a brush guard. I bang through brush and woods with it. In my opinion the guards are good for brush, but a minor fender bender or banging around will push those back into grill and probably cause more cosmetic damage ($$$) than anything else.
Thanks
Quang
I have thought about doing the coolers myself too. They seem very simple. The hardest part is definitely removing the front bumper/facia. Let us know if you do it and how hard it was. I am looking at the end of summer to do mine. I decided to add it in case I ever want to tow (however that will most likely be done with my Trooper) and if I ever decide to take the MDX out to the beach. Beach driving is a lot of hard work on the transmission and the cooler can only help.
Good Luck
Thanks
Front and rear trim is satin chrome (new this year).
Door handles shiny chrome.
Ordering side steps:
? shiny chrome vs satin chrome.
Went with shiny so far since feel will have better appearance from side.
Time to change if necessary.
Opinions?
What are others doing?
Find a shop that has them in stock and try one out. The width is adjustable and the brackets should fit the bars. You can also drill a new hole if the spacing isn't far enough apart. I know it sounds scary to drill something new, but a fairly simple thing once you see the box in person.
Outdoorsports.com is a great place to buy rack stuff online. I have always gotten what I think to be the best pricing available from them.
The extra access isn't required for use, it just makes it easier.
How is your experience with hidden hitch ?
I am shopping for hitches and any inputs are well appreciated.
2 installation issues.
One hitch (I bought 2 at the time, one for me and one for a friend) had a slight bend in the brace that attaches to the car. The L at the end wasn't 90 degrees but more like 110. I put my foot on it and pryed it like a lever into position...was really quite easy. At first I thought that was a "major" problem, however it was clear that it could have easily been bent in shipping...it is an angle that bends easily off the car, but not once bolted.
The second wasn't a problem, however I highly recommend something similar to aid with installation. Since I did mine by myself, I used jack stands to hold it up while I bolted each side, I could never have done it alone without.
The HiddenHitch is good and affordable, however it isn't anymore hidden on the MDX than the stock Acura one. So either way you are good. Hiddenhitch.com or hondaacuraworld.com.
I think you should put it on yourself if only for a bike rack. If you plan to tow...you can still do the hitch yourself, but will need to consider the towing package (which can be installed at home, but is a little more involved). I am not towing so I skipped the towing package.
I would like to install a Roof rack (base model good enough) on my 2002 MDX.
Can you please suggest options? - should I go to the dealer? or is it easy to install myself?
I am little scared of doing it myself
Thanks
It looks simple enough. You will probably have to buy $10 in tools. The hardest part looks like the cutting of the original roof weatherstripping into segments...only being careful seems like the hardest part. You are probably more likely to get it done better on your own. Rather than a mechanic, who won't care as much about making it perfect.
I just checked with the dealer and it would cost about $550 to put the roof rack
You can do this very easily, virtually no chance to "scratch" anything.
(now don't ask me if I'd do it, becuase gold ain't my thing...)
I have installed the side steps on my own and even that was not too difficult. It really is a shame that dealers charge the full shop rate for this kind of stuff as it can be done by anyone with no special skills!
I also have the yakima fork mount bike rack from my old system. I envision it's more difficult to transfer over so i am not trying hard. Any idea is welcome. Thanks.
The running boards are OK, the way the back door opens and the shape of the boards makes it so only my 4 year old really steps on them getting in and out. I don't find much use for them, but my wife likes them.
The running boards flex a little off the body when I stand at either end. I think for loading the roof the side steps might be more functional.
Feedback good and bad would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
Below are the items I'd like:
Side steps
Rear tailgate deflector
Moonroof visor
Body side molding
I ordered and installed the satin chrome side steps. More sporty in my opinion than the running boards and matches the new satin trim and rims on the 2004. Easy to install. Even easier if you read the instructions carefully which I wish I had.
The new color-matched rear spoiler option is fantastic. More on par to what other suv's are offering than the original tailgate deflector. Makes the MDX look fast even when parked. That was dealer installed. Didn't like the thought of drilling holes in a $40k+ car.
I noticed I can't play any of my VCDs (burned or original) on the DVD player which is a real shame. So I've been doing research on DVD burners and media and how they work on the DVD player. So far I've been able to play a burned DVDR movie on the acura dvd system.
The projector style headlight is a great change for the 2004 but wished Acura would step up to the plate with HIDs. The Philips H11 bulbs burn yellow and is an uncommon standard in the U.S. Anybody tried any aftermarket upgrades on the headlights?