I'm going to be a new Acura buyer... but it worries me that some things need to be installed at the dealership. I worry about crafstmanship/worksmanship... because some of these things require taking apart a lot of components to install it.

For example, I want a heated steering wheel... it has to be installed at the dealership... but it takes a long time. I wouldn't mind waiting a little longer so I can grab my car with everything installed from the factory.

Any thoughts on why Acura doesn't?

 

It is just an additional revenue stream for the dealership. The only advantage is OEM parts installed at the dealership is covered by the 4/50k basic warranty and Acura Care (if listed as covered under Acura Care). I've never heard of a dealership denying a warranty claim on an accessory installed by the owner? Once aftermarket ramps up for the +19 RDX, you will see OEM accessories prices start to drop if you search, dealerships tossing in accessories at cost or even free, and more folks starting threads on how to install OEM/aftermarket accessories.

 

 

For other brands, many options are not installed at the "factory", but at a "port of entry" facility. Those installs are just as invasive as the ones Honda/Acura does at the dealership, and apparently they are an incredibly lucrative business for the "port of entry" facilities ( who apparently are protected by iron-clad contracts with the auto manufacturers ). That which is incredibly lucrative for the middle man, is incredibly costly for the end consumer. This is why Honda/Acura went to a simplified "package" scheme (AKA trim levels ) long ago. It accounts for much of the value pricing. But it's worth thinking about whether you can live without some of the more complex "accessory installations".