I am looking at getting a 2015 MDX Tech but there are some accessories that I am also would like to add on:

Sport Bumper Trim Front and Rear
Rear Bumper Guard
Roof Rails
Adv. Running Boards

I was contemplating the following options:

1) Negotiate into price of vehicle
2) Purchase later and have dealer install them
3) Purchase later and DIY

Have anyone installed these accessories themselves? I have looked at the install instructions online and looks "doable". Is it something an amateur can install? Any suggestions?

 

^if you're good at measuring twice cutting once, go for the DIY!

if not, I would negotiate the price of accessories and labor into price of vehicle.

 

I've done it both ways with negotiating up front and DYI down the road. It really depends if you are handy compared to how much you like (or dislike) dealing with sales folks. The cheapest route is purchase on your own and install yourself. Purchase on your own and dealer install after the sale will be the most expensive route. You should be able to get the parts and the labor at a discount if you do everything up front during the deal. I would include any all weather floor mat, trunk trays, cargo cover, or anything else you are 100% sure on you want to get for the MDX.

 

Take a look at the install instructions to see if you can DIY.

Acura online store - Select your vehicle to view the installation or DIY instructions for an Accessory

 

If you're leasing here is something else to consider.

Some OEM accessories can be residualized when added to the lease. So theoretically you won't pay the full price for them.. Check with your dealer..

 

I've installed the front and rear trim, running boards, fogs, rear bumper guard and mud flaps myself. If you're familiar with Honda/acura clips, then it's a breeze. The hardest and most time consuming was the front trim and led fog lights as you need to take off the front bumper. I probably saved over $1000 doing it myself and all parts are OEM. I've taken pics and will post my experience. By the way, the rear trim was a waste of money in my opinion, as it's almost identical to the existing trim, just painted light gray vs black. If I could go back I would not have dished out $240 on the rear trim and just get the original one painted. Good luck.

 

FYI, if the accessories are installed at the point of purchase or a part of the car deal, these accessories are covered by bumper to bumper, 4 years or 50K miles warranty. Any accessories purchase over the counter or after the car deal, only comes with 1 year and 12K miles warranty.

If you follow the instruction from Acura and have the require tools, you should have no issue with the installation.

 

^^Good point..

 

If you are handy with tools, there is no reason you can't tackle these yourself.

I installed the Advance running boards on my wife's MDX today by myself, and had both sides installed in 35 minutes after putting the front end on ramps. The running boards were purchased off eBay for $400 shipped, so that was a very easy savings of several hundred dollars just on that one accessory .