2011 Corolla drivers side mirror

[Kiro Kompiro]

Late last year we bought a 2011 Corolla sedan for my 72 year old father.

As you'd know this has one of those mirrors which not only shows things behind the driver as being much further than they are, it is has a small section the outside that distorts the image. I'm an optometrist so i understand the optics of how these things work better than most, and I know that the stated advantage over a plain mirror is the elimination of blinds spots.

Well my father hates it. I hate it. So much so that we both consider it as a threat to safe driving. So much so that we are seriously considering selling the car. It makes judging lane changes and the speed of cars behind the car unnecessarily difficult. The small outer section is an even bigger problem because it can and does disorientate the driver because it actually makes it the eyes need to look at an unnatural angle that does causes short term double vision in some people. I have 20 years experience in optics and human vision and I know the technical reasons why this happens to some people. I am one of those that is affected to the point of wanting to puke!

Its gotten to the point that dad HATES this car. This is a driver with a perfect driving record over 50 years who now feels unsafe because of a dodgy mirror. And no he's not too old, he looks and drives as if he's 20 years younger.

I rang Toyota spare parts, (3 dealers), and all said the same thing:"Mate the number of people wanting that thing removed is more than we'd like to say, yes. We've asked Japan to give as a plain mirror option but they won't do it. See if you can source an aftermarket part".

So I've gotta get an aftermarket part on car thats a few months old?

So before we sell it-and ye I'll be writing a letter to Toyota about it- I was wondering is there a plain mirror option or a way to fit one?

Edited May 8, 2012 by Kiro Kompiro

[u54mot]

If you measure your mirror, and it is W175mm by H120mm, at the furthest point, which I believe it should be. You may want to try the Aurion mirror (approx $55 per side), as it is the about the same size, I am not sure whether or not they are mounted the same way.

[DJKOR]

I would agree that those split mirrors are a real nuisance. As suggested above, you should have a look to see if the mirror glass matches that of the Aurion. If so, the Aurion mirrors are a single piece, however completely convex. While some people think the full convex mirrors are a nuisance as well, I find that after a short amount of driving, you get used to gauging distance on it and it ends up being safer as you get a wider field of view in your side mirrors.

Alternatively, for the price of these parts, it may be worth trying (eBay can be quite handy sometimes) the following. I know it says it's for the 2005-2009 Corolla, but from a quick search, it appears that the mirrors remained the same in the facelift Corolla, but you may want to double check the measurements if you can. Like I said though, for the cost, you may be willing to just give one a shot at first:

http://www.ebay.com....#ht_3582wt_1304

http://www.ebay.com....=item4cfc2595ac

[juvenile]

Not sure if convex as well but I believe the Yaris mirrors are same as size as Corolla

[123R-Prozak]

Get caravan mirrors? They attach to your side mirrors and are MASSIVE lol

[Kiro Kompiro]

I've ordered one of those ebay jobs as its the cheapest option.

Will let you know how it goes.

Thanks all!

[woollyfree]

I traced the outline of the mirror on a piece of paper and went to a glass place. They cut me a mirror the same as the template for $10 and I used a bit of silicone to hold it in place. No more curvy mirror!