Power-folding mirrors don’t fold. Auto-dimming doesn’t dim. Heated mirrors don’t heat. The “fully-loaded” car becomes “fully-broken” when premium features fail—and repairs cost ₹8,000-20,000.
Side mirrors seem simple. But modern mirrors have motors (power adjust, power fold), heaters (defog), turn signals, blind-spot indicators, auto-dimming, and memory functions. Each feature can fail independently, and each costs ₹3,000-12,000 to repair. Sellers demonstrate basic mirror adjustment, hiding the non-functional premium features you paid extra for.
Complete Mirror Function Test
Manual adjustments (2 minutes per mirror):
- Power adjust: Test all directions (up, down, left, right)
- Should: Move smoothly, respond to switch inputs
- Problem: Slow, jerky, or no movement = motor failure (₹3,000-8,000 per mirror)
Power folding (if equipped, 1 minute):
- Press fold button
- Should: Both mirrors fold inward simultaneously
- Problem: One doesn’t fold, folds partially, or makes grinding noise = motor failure (₹5,000-12,000 per mirror)
Turn signal indicators (if equipped, 1 minute):
- Activate turn signal
- Should: LED on mirror illuminates (both sides)
- Problem: One side doesn’t light = LED module failure (₹2,000-5,000 per mirror)
Blind-spot indicators (if equipped, test while driving):
- Have vehicle in adjacent lane (or have someone stand in blind spot)
- Should: Warning light on mirror illuminates
- Problem: Doesn’t illuminate = sensor failure (₹5,000-12,000 per side)
Heated mirrors (if equipped, hard to test in warm weather):
- Activate rear defogger (usually shares button)
- Should: Mirror heater elements warm up
- Test: Touch mirror glass (warm to touch after 2-3 minutes)
- Problem: Not warming = heater element failure (₹3,000-8,000 per mirror)
Auto-dimming (if equipped, test at night):
- Drive at night, have car behind you with headlights
- Should: Interior and/or exterior mirrors dim automatically
- Problem: Doesn’t dim = sensor/electrochromic failure (₹4,000-10,000 per mirror)
Memory function (if equipped with memory seats):
- Set mirror position
- Save to memory (button 1 or 2)
- Adjust mirrors elsewhere
- Recall memory
- Should: Mirrors return to saved position
- Problem: Don’t recall = memory module failure (₹8,000-20,000)
Mirror Glass Condition
Check for:
1. Cracks:
- Any crack = replace glass (₹1,500-4,000 per mirror)
2. Delamination (silvering coming off):
- Dark spots, patches where mirror coating peeling
- Replace glass: ₹1,500-4,000 per mirror
3. Scratches:
- Minor scratches: Acceptable
- Deep scratches affecting visibility: Replace
4. Aftermarket glass:
- OEM: Manufacturer logo etched
- Aftermarket: Generic or no marking
- Indicates: Mirror was damaged/replaced (why? accident?)
Mirror Housing Damage
Check for:
1. Cracks in housing:
- Indicates: Impact (parking scrape, hit)
- Cost: Housing replacement (₹4,000-12,000 per mirror including internals)
2. Loose/wobbly mirror:
- Cause: Mounting bracket damaged (impact)
- Or: Adjustment motor worn
- Fix: ₹2,000-8,000
3. Paint mismatch:
- Mirror housing different shade than body
- Indicates: Mirror replaced (aftermarket or painted incorrectly)
- May indicate: Accident damage
4. Missing turn signal lens:
- Lens cracked/missing (₹1,000-3,000 for lens alone)
Interior Rearview Mirror
Auto-dimming (if equipped):
- Test at night (see above)
Compass (if equipped):
- Should display direction (N, S, E, W)
- If not working: Calibration or sensor issue (₹2,000-5,000)
HomeLink / Garage door opener (if equipped):
- Buttons on mirror to open garage doors
- Can’t test without garage: Ask seller if programmed, test if possible
Mirror detached or loose:
- Check mounting to windshield
- Loose: Adhesive failure (₹500-1,500 to re-attach)
- Detached: Will fall off (safety hazard)
Real Case
2020 Toyota Fortuner, ₹28,50,000
Seller: “Fully loaded, all features”
Buyer’s test:
Power folding test:
- Pressed fold button
- Left mirror: Folded normally
- Right mirror: Made grinding noise, folded halfway, stopped
Seller: “Oh, I never use that feature” (trying to minimize)
Diagnosis: Right mirror motor failure
Dealer quote: ₹18,000 (mirror assembly replacement)
Negotiation:
- Buyer demanded ₹20,000 discount
- Seller countered: “It’s just a convenience feature”
- Buyer: “I’m paying for fully-loaded, I expect fully-functional”
Outcome: Seller agreed to ₹15,000 discount
Lesson: Test ALL features, not just the ones seller demonstrates
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
If mirrors have blind-spot indicators:
- See Blog #48 (Driver Assist Features) for complete BSM testing
- Failure: Often related to rear bumper sensors (₹8,000-15,000 per side)
Memory Mirror Issues
If mirrors don’t recall saved positions:
- Could be: Memory module (expensive, ₹10,000-20,000)
- Or: Mirror motor itself (₹3,000-8,000 per mirror)
This is why memory seat/mirror failures are expensive
Conclusion
Premium mirror features add convenience—when they work. When they don’t, they add expense.
Protocol:
- Test power adjust (all directions, both mirrors)
- Test power fold (if equipped)
- Check mirror glass (cracks, delamination)
- Inspect housing (damage, paint match)
- Test turn signals (if in mirrors)
- Test blind-spot indicators (if equipped, while driving)
- Check interior mirror (auto-dim, compass, HomeLink)
Decision:
- All features work: Proceed
- One minor feature (turn signal LED): Negotiate ₹2,000-3,000
- Power fold failure: Negotiate ₹15,000-20,000 (expensive repair)
- Multiple failures: Negotiate ₹25,000-40,000 OR walk away
- Blind-spot system failure: See Blog #48 for negotiation
Key Takeaways
✓ Power fold failure = ₹5-12K per mirror (motor replacement)
✓ Test ALL features (seller demonstrates only working ones)
✓ Blind-spot indicators = part of BSM system (₹8-15K sensor per side)
✓ Auto-dimming failure = ₹4-10K (electrochromic mirror or sensor)
✓ Memory mirror failure = ₹8-20K (memory module expensive)
✓ Turn signal LED = ₹2-5K per mirror (module replacement)
Related: ADAS Features, Electrical System
Professional electronics diagnostics
Mirrors reflect more than your image. They reflect maintenance neglect and hidden costs.