The two aren't really comparable. A cat-back exhaust won't do anything for power, just sound. On the other hand, a downpipe will give a noticeable power upgrade even without a tune.
I can't say what a downpipe with the stock exhaust does for sound because I haven't done it, but a cat-back...
I'll say it... should've bought a Tesla.
A pal of mine had a Saturn Ion that would regularly lose electric power steering at random times while driving, and the fix was to key off and start it again. It was so common he'd clutch in and do this while the car was still rolling, at highway speeds...
Pour some gas on it, problem solved?
Nah the dealers are probably used to coaching people towards better gas because of knock or pulled timing due to people pumping shit 87 from the kwik-e-mart.
To summarize, it's normal.
From what I can tell our systems are similar, and the credit agencies are the same as well. What the banks do with the numbers might be different, but what do we know?
Anyway, congrats on the growing family, and for not caving and buying a CRV.
By all means fight for every cent, but is that hard pull really going to cost you $500 in the long run? I know everyone's situation is different, but if you know you won't be loan shopping for the next couple years it might not be such a handicap*.
*Not an accountant
Wrap is cheap, and interior parts, once removed are easy to learn on. I fake-carbon wrapped the piano black console, not the greatest job but it got the desired effect.
Now the matte chrome shifter surround catches the sun sometimes so add that to the list.
Another good reason for the scan tool is when you are flushing your brake lines. You'll want to cycle the abs pump so the fluid is replaced in there as well, and the scan tool should have an option for this.
This just brings the base model up to something barely acceptable in 2025. They'd much rather sell you an ADX.
Also should've eaten the pie and went with the hybrid powertrain they have just sitting there. Same goes for the entire Acura fleet.
Yes, drain fill and move on, in nearly every change in every car I've driven. Used oil stinks because it's done its job. If you think there are any actionable insights from two weeks of sniffing oil then you may be doing it too much.