APA Question - Accessories

[skanji]

Sent an email to APA and called them with no response, so I'll ask the question here. As y'all know looking very seriously at a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS....

If we wanted to add the following interior and exterior accessories, should i negotiate with the dealer, or can APA do on my behalf?

cargo cover 262.95
cargo tray 125.95
side steps 716.95
side visors 128.95

What is normally the mark-up on these, and since we are getting such a good deal (ie. 1000ish over the Invoice Price), will the dealer try to gouge me on this?

[mr_raider]

Don't buy them from the dealer. You can do better at many aftermarket/auto parts stores.

[skanji]

Don't buy them from the dealer. You can do better at many aftermarket/auto parts stores.

that's what i was thinking, but the side steps is the only thing i am thinking of getting from the dealer...for drilling or other crap!?!

[hightech]

I would also even suggest Ebay. You can buy things like cargo nets for about 1/4 of the price. Many times, the cargo nets are all built the same way (hooks on the top and bottom). You can just measure the length you need and order it online.

Another option that I did for my Camry, is get some folding storage bins from Canadian Tire (with the $10 off $40 coupon) and created my own set of storage organizers. I even got a charcoal grey door mat that is very grippy to hold the items in place. I ended up spending $40 total for a very nice layout and better protection then any dealer accessory.

Also, the side steps if drilled, could cause premature rust. Another thing is how are they designed for automated car wash systems? I have seen lots of SUV owners at the local Esso car wash pissed when their side steps are scratched/dented or cracked because they don't work well with the car wash system.

Winter weather can also be an issue. Depending on the quality, the side steps can crack from the cold, or cause the snow to deflect towards the front wheel wells. Generally, the car is designed to throw snow away from the tires. With the side step, they could deflect the snow and have it build up around the wheel components. My friend has a recent model Acura MDX and he got the side steps installed for her wife. One winter, lots of snow and ice got deflected by the side steps and caused the wheel well and other areas to get snow packed. It took him some time to clean up the area and I think he had to get the SUV towed because it was not drivable as a result.

I know these are extreme situations, but it is something to consider.

[skanji]

I would also even suggest Ebay. You can buy things like cargo nets for about 1/4 of the price. Many times, the cargo nets are all built the same way (hooks on the top and bottom). You can just measure the length you need and order it online.

Another option that I did for my Camry, is get some folding storage bins from Canadian Tire (with the $10 off $40 coupon) and created my own set of storage organizers. I even got a charcoal grey door mat that is very grippy to hold the items in place. I ended up spending $40 total for a very nice layout and better protection then any dealer accessory.

Also, the side steps if drilled, could cause premature rust. Another thing is how are they designed for automated car wash systems? I have seen lots of SUV owners at the local Esso car wash pissed when their side steps are scratched/dented or cracked because they don't work well with the car wash system.

Winter weather can also be an issue. Depending on the quality, the side steps can crack from the cold, or cause the snow to deflect towards the front wheel wells. Generally, the car is designed to throw snow away from the tires. With the side step, they could deflect the snow and have it build up around the wheel components. My friend has a recent model Acura MDX and he got the side steps installed for her wife. One winter, lots of snow and ice got deflected by the side steps and caused the wheel well and other areas to get snow packed. It took him some time to clean up the area and I think he had to get the SUV towed because it was not drivable as a result.

I know these are extreme situations, but it is something to consider.

man - this is really helpful. going for my first testdrive this aft and will ask that question!