$1000 Mirror?

SpeedThrills said:

Without my knowledge, my 91 year old neighbor set up an appointment to have the pass side mirror repaired, at the stealer, on her 2017 Accord EX-L. It moves left-right, but not up and down. The glass shakes around.

I have her estimate that says they're going to replace it. How do they know it needs to be replaced?

The estimate shows:

• 441.67 for the mirror
• 375.00 for "calibrate lane watch camera"
• 2 hrs labor @ $70 per hr.
• Misc.

I have found the mirror at Hondapartsnow.com for $310.05. (They do show the full retail as $441.67)

What do they do for $375 to calibrate the camera?

The $131 extra for the mirror is questionable, but mostly, my rip-off radar is screaming regarding the calibration charge.

What is the calibration thing about? I'm not much on newer cars. Should they negotiate?

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Search these forums for lanewatch camera calibration, template attached in some of the threads. You can do it yourself replacing the mirror if bought new from dealer it'll be painted the color you need just order right part number, install and calibrate if need be.

As far as the question "How do they know it needs to be replaced?", technicians don't repair things much any more, they replace parts. Also, can you not buy the internal mechanism without having to replace the entire mirror? Probably not.... But honestly, it could be the switch and not the mirror. Of course if it was just the switch that wouldn't address the glass shaking around.

But I'll be you could source a good used mirror much cheaper and if needed just replace the mechanism in the existing mirror.

I've had my mirrors off to install LED signal indicators. It is a bit of work to take them apart, but not super difficult. There is a great video on Youtube showing how to take them apart, you do need to know where all the clips and screws are, they are not all obvious.

The mirror camera should work regardless, I think the calibration part is for the guide lines that indicate distance. Definitely a diy job. Last time I've looked at prices, it was much cheaper or same price to better buying a new one than buying used scratched up unit.

You can buy a non-Honda brand new mirror for around $60. A good used one can be had for about the same.

Here's how to disassemble the side mirror:

I had TYC aftermarket mirror having it's mirror element rattling while driving, it was extremely annoying not to mention not very safe thing to have. Also, I do not believe that aftermarket mirrors come painted, only come in black gloss. Did the problem occur on its own or there was an accidental bump of the mirror. See it you can help movement with the hand, maybe element is clipped in properly.

Typical. A 91-year old is fresh meat for stealerships.

Kudos to you for looking after an elderly neighbour. As my parents age I worry about people taking advantage of them. Honda mirrors come painted but I’d see if maybe you can get the “guts” of it before replacing the whole thing. I couldn’t tell you the last time I adjusted my mirrors so it’s not a $1000 problem to me.

slimm1469 said:

Typical. A 91-year old is fresh meat for stealerships.

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Not taking sides even political but I'd say this depends if the neighbor is on social security.