I'll be getting my 2014.5 GT AWD with tech this weekend. I'm very excited but wanted to ask about some potential accessories I'm considering.
1) 3M paint protection. Is it worth it? It looks to be almost $700 for the hood, side mirrors and door edges.
Don't have it on the CX-5 but had it on my old Audi and VW. It was worth it in both cases. The dealer price is ridiculous so will have it done at one of the places that specializes in applying the film here in Los Angeles (we have tons.)
2) Are mud flaps helpful? I've never had them before, but see a lot of vehicles have them. If yes, can a novice install them easily?
Really easy to install. Did the rear ones last night. I had been noticing the kick up on the back fender and when doing the install, noticed grit/rocks in the splash guard area and rear fender. This will prevent both. It also expands the width of the CX-5 slightly so that your rear quarter panels are protected (you'll make contact with the flaps before the metal.) Pretty handy if you have to deal with tight parking and reverse in.
3) Trailer hitch suggestions? I'm interested in one to carry three bikes and a attach a small trailer. Are they easy to install?
Haven't done this yet myself but the Curtis Class III is the one that seems best (even though it is over rated for the CX-5's tow capacity.) There are more accessory options for the Class III receivers. Also, the Curtis, unlike the OEM, doesn't take a clip out of your bumper to install. It sits cleanly underneath.
3)What are the best places to buy accessories cheap? I'm considering Bumper guard, door sill guards, cargo mat/tray and all weather mats.
I've done all my OEM accessory purchases through
Med Center Mazda in Alabama. Free shipping for purchases over $100, almost a guaranteed 20% off MSRP so close to invoice, no tax, and they've been prompt and reliable sending everything as if it just came from Japan. I shopped
Park Mazda out of Akron, OH too but their policies are less great and when I totalled two shopping carts, between the two, it came out cheaper from Med Center.
BTW, people seem to prefer the Weathertech weather mats over the OEM ones. You can search the forums to find what they find less likable about the OEM ones.
Are there any other must own accessories?
I'd say the cargo cover if it isn't already coming with yours. I thought I wouldn't need it since I usually have a pet barrier up in the back, but it wasn't more than a day when I realized I needed to ditch my laptop out of view when parking and even with the tint, it wasn't enough. Plus the cover is well designed and doesn't really need to be removed even with all the other accessories I have back there (pet barrier, soft cargo liner, cargo tray are always installed.)
My dealer's prices seem expensive and I'm hoping I can do all of the install's myself.
I'd agree on pricing. Some dealers have temporary discounts from their parts department (I get a 15% off from time to time) but considering the 20% I'm getting for ordering online and no tax (which would tack another 9.5% where I live) it's a no brainer. The installs are very simple -- Mazda's paperwork included with the parts treats you like a kindergartner. They even supply things like alcohol swabs to clean up areas before affixing 3M glues. I put the mud flaps on without taking the wheels off -- it was pretty easy since the clearance around the wheel is pretty good (you'll need a (low) torque wrench though to do the final tightening with metric attachments.) The only thing that might be a little hard would be the hitch install but I haven't done it yet and it may not be that bad. Still wouldn't go to a dealer though but to any mechanic with a lift.
