I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on a new Tech.
I need some last minute advice on accessories since they may be part of the negotiations. I've seen earlier threads on this stuff but would really like to hear your latest thoughts on:

1) body side mouldings - yes or no
2) cargo liner vs tray
3) leather shift knob
4) anything else you wouldn't live without

Thanks!

 

1. front lip thingy
2. roof rack (doesn't need to have use but it gives the truck a different look better then it being bare up there)
3. I've got running boards I like it but it definitely is not needed unless you got a granny that has weak bones (like mine)

 

If your previous car has a lot of dings from parking lot incidents, then the side mouldings will help keep your RDX looking nice.

Cargo liner vs. tray depends on what kind of cargo you carry. The liner has much more coverage, especially when the seats are folded down. The tray will keep mud and snow from dripping.

On a stick shift car, a fancy shift knob can be more comfortable. On an auto, you're going to use it so infrequently that the price doesn't make sense to me.

I'm not a big fan of cosmetic upgrades. Maybe that depends on how old you are.

 

+1

 

For me:

1) Front lip (a MUST)
2) cargo liner

 

-Front Lip - Without this, I think the front looks dorky (side view). This also makes the front end a bit more aggressive, but it also makes it a few inches lower.
-Rear Diffusser - Brings out the back and defines the rear bumper.
-Mudguards - I didnt get them, but they do make the rdx look aggressive.
-Running boards also make it look lower, but I dont think its worth it, since the rdx isnt that high.
-Roof rack; your option, but I didnt get it.
-Cargo tray fits like tight spandex. Its the perfect item, and it prevents boxes from sliding on the carpet.
-Color (your ultimate choice) - I got silver because I hated the silver grill that stood out with different colors; with silver paint, the grill (air dam location) looks and blends in well.

 

For me, I like it simple so:

1) body side mouldings - yes or no NO
2) cargo liner vs tray NO Weathertech cargo liner since it covers the whole rear floor and fits properly.
3) leather shift knob maybe I like it, but it's not worth $100 to me.
4) anything else you wouldn't live without - I bought the all weather floor mats for winter. Fit like a glove and work great.

Running boards, rook racks are a bit to overdone accessory look for me, specially since I wouldn't have a use for either.

 

YES:
1) Front lip (purely aesthetic if you want the RDX looking a little more aggressive)
2) Cargo liner (already saved me from a bunch of tiny scratches)
3) All weather mats ($100 a bit pricey for the Acura ones, but I love the custom fit)
4) Mud guards (standard in Canada. Good for keeping the snow off in winter)

NO:
1) Body side mouldings (I've seen cars that have them and they still get dinged. Mostly cuz cars are at such varying heights nowadays. Scratches on my car are in weird places that the mouldings wouldn't have prevented)
2) Running boards (like the others have said, the RDX is low enough, and you start hitting your shins on them when stepping over them)

 

def the front underbody spoiler
leather shift knob might already be installed, it was on just about every rdx on the lot at my dealer (this is the same dealer that cancelled free car washes with service so who knows...lol )
cargo tray or liner is based on what ur transporting, there is a thread still on main page debating those two, check it out.
roof rack, personally like the looks, and its nice to have, up to you on that.
i like the body side moldings, and they have already been helpful...
think thats it good luck with the purchase!

 

1) body side mouldings - yes (helps with dings but also it does break up the side doors and does not make them look so big (imo)
2) cargo liner vs tray - Yes I got the tray, it fits the back space great, do not really have the seat down to much so I did not get the cargo liner.
3) leather shift knob - No looks nice just did not feel I needed it.
4) Roof rack - Yes I like to ski, so it was a good purchase for me, as someone earlier stated, it does help break up the roof. but if you are looking for clean lines and a more agressive looking ride maybe not.
5) Front spoiler and rear defuss - No, looks good but do not need,.
6) Running boards - NO - look nice, but to easy to bng shins gettin gout of the rear doors.
7) Splash Guards - YES look great and keep the wheel dirt off
8) All-Weather Mats - YES and they fit great.

 

body moldings.. at first i didn't want them.. but they've proved themselves useful. i had a lady open her door, hit my car, and ran into the store. i waited till she came out and told her and she even had the guts to lie to me saying she didn't. what a b!tch. The other day i found another ding / paint chip on the molding (rear r driver side door).. FAWK! stupid people...

Running boards - i have a 5 year old, it's good for her. =)

roof rack - i've had to put my golf clubs/bag up on the roof rack coming back from Toronto road trip. useful.

Front bumper/rear bumper addons - asthetics.

 

I'm considering accessorizing my new RDX. Seems like a lot of people go for the front lip and rear diffuser. Is this purely aesthetic? Or is there some secret fuel economy or performance benefit from it? I was reading about the new Corvette out of curiosity, and they designed a front spoiler that diverts air flow to the front wheels to cool the brakes. Is that what the front lip is technically supposed to do? Or is it purely an aesthetic choice?

Anybody have pictures of what it looks like with the front lip or rear diffuser so I can compare?

As well, considering a roof rack. Maybe. Maybe not. It just looks so naked without one.

 

For the RDX, without actual test data, I assume that it is mainly for aesthetic purposes. For higher end cars that really drive, adding on a lower front spoiler, rear spoiler, and any other aero dynamic part will definately provide function, as well as aesthetic purposes. Lowering the center of gravity will also improve handling characteristics.

The rear diffusser for the RDX may serve a purpose by smoothing the edges of the rear bumper to allow undisrupted air to pass by, thus, "decreasing" drag.

These parts do serve actual purpose, but it depends on the type of vehicle it's used on.

 

Front spoiler will add "some" downforce and rear diffusser should help get rid of that empty space, which is full of "drag"...

 

That's interesting to know. Has anybody recently had a rear diffuser installed and noticed any change in fuel economy? I assume whatever change might occur because of the rear diffuser would be small. I'm having problems seeing what it actually is though. Does it replace the back bumper? Does anyone have pictures of the actual rear diffuser and where it sits on the RDX?

As well, anybody with a roof rack notice any significant drag or reduced fuel economy?

 

Don't get wheel locks unless your getting them for free

Do get all season mats.

And you can probably find better prices online for accessories unles you want them installed and have the full warranty. Accessories bought at the same time you purchase the car have the full 4 year 50k warranty. Stuff you buy after only gets 12 months or 12k miles warranty. In my experience most dealers don't care and will warranty accessories as long as the car is under warranty, but you never know.

 

Fuel ecom. with either is nil or non-existant to me. I just liked the way they looked. Since my RDX is CGP, the rear diffuser doesn't stand out that much because it is black. As for as the roof rack...I don't think it is significant.

Theoretically, sure, they all add to the weight, but who's going to try to figure out just how much more drag, down-force, and smoothed edges add and/or subtract to the economy? Well... someone may have that kind of inspiration. Drive...and have fun with it looking how you want it to look.

I'll try to go to the dealership tomorrow to take some side-by-side pix, weather permitting, if I can fit it in.

 

Thanks, that would be interesting to see. It's hard to get an idea of what the rear diffuser actually looks like from the dealership pictures. I didn't think the roof rack would really change the fuel economy that much anyways. No more than my habitual stomping on the gas to SMOKE the guy next to me at every stop light, anyways! I really have to stop doing that. But it's so much fun!

 

SIDE MOLDINGS - ABSOLUTELY YES

Even if it cant prevent some cars from dining the side-one less ding is better.
I installed it my self- only a few weeks later I saw that someone hit the molding so hard it took off some paint on the molding itself. It paid for itself right there.

 

 

The front and rear gizmos are cosmetic only. Anyone who thinks they will get better gas mileage is dreaming. If anything, your mileage will be worse because of the added weight.

 

Well try this link. Hope it works. Better than nada.

http://www.picturehosting.com/galler...&g=RDX-Add-ons

 

Mine came with the all-season mats. The only things I've purchased out of pocket so far has been the WeatherTech cargo liner tray (more appealing + covers 75% more than Acura's cargo tray) and Acura's soft cargo organizer...

Future will include 3M film or the like, Ron Jon's, sunroof deflector and sidesteps...

 

In mine: everything BUT the roof rack.
I liked the look of running boards with a clean roof line (altho the running boards basically have no purpose at all on this truck).

The roof rack really gives the truck a rally-ish appearance...i was trying more for a smooth luxurious look, thus no roof rack.

The leather shift knob is actually a nice accessory, finishes the overall look of the dash and the stiching is also very nice. Mud flaps i consider a must, especially if ur owning...,

front lip and rear diffusers finish the overall look of the car, i feel like they were the missing parts, i think the stock RDX just doesnt look right without them.

I got the cargo tray, not the liner, i would GET the liner because it offers overall protection, plus, if you store the upper privacy rack on the floor, the tray doesnt mesh into the little drop in the cargo area and just sits ontop of the carpet (aggrevates me)

O...and i think its a MUST-Haver---Wilson Wong's tray/bin liners!!!!!!!

 

I have the roof rack. The second thing I did was to remove the crossbars and they are in the garage untill called to duty. I noticed less noise, which to me equals less drag and mileage loss, but consider we are talking about a vehicle that scores in the upper teens-low 20s, mileage-wise.

 

+1

 

Thanks everyone for your advice. So in the end I got the "protection package" - tray, rear bumper applique and all-weather mats, passed on the body side mouldings and roof rack for my own personal aesthetic reasons though I can understand why others WOULD want them and insisted they throw in the leather shift knob. All the above was included as well as a $5500 discount ($4k Acura Canada and $1500 dealer). My black on black baby is now in Buffalo en route from Ohio to Canada so I'm getting pretty excited.

 

Congrats!

 

Nice