While strolling down Nguyen Van Cu Street in Long Bien District, I ran into an old friend struggling to choose a used side mirror for his Hyundai Porter truck. He explained that he’d accidentally damaged his passenger-side mirror and replacing it with a new one was too expensive, so he opted for a used mirror to save money. His story reminded me of many others who are also considering used car mirrors. Let’s explore the advantages, disadvantages, buying tips, and important considerations when choosing this type of auto part!
Pros and Cons of Used Car Mirrors
Advantages
- Cost Savings: This is the most significant advantage of used car mirrors. Compared to buying new, choosing a used mirror can save you a considerable amount of money, especially for vehicles with expensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) mirrors.
- Availability: You can easily find used car mirrors at auto part stores, online marketplaces, and used car forums.
- Variety of Choices: The market for used car mirrors is quite diverse, from basic mirrors to those with advanced features, catering to various needs and budgets.
Disadvantages
- Quality Concerns: Because they are pre-owned, the quality of used car mirrors may not be as good as new. Mirrors can be scratched, faded, or show other signs of wear and tear.
- No Warranty: Most used car mirrors do not come with a warranty. Therefore, if you encounter any problems, you will have to bear the cost of repair or replacement yourself.
- Risk of Buying Low-Quality Products: The used car mirror market is complex, with a potential risk of purchasing low-quality, counterfeit, or fake products.
Tips for Buying Used Car Mirrors
To minimize the risks when buying used car mirrors, consider the following:
- Thorough Inspection: Before making a purchase, carefully inspect the mirror surface, examining details such as the base, plastic housing, and wiring to ensure there are no cracks, dents, or signs of disassembly or repair.
- Choose a Reputable Seller: Buy used car mirrors from reputable auto part stores with positive reviews and a good track record.
- Seek Expert Advice: If you are not knowledgeable about auto parts, ask someone with experience to accompany you to inspect and assess the product’s quality.
- Test Before Buying: Ask the seller to let you test-fit the mirror on your vehicle to ensure it functions correctly.
Used Car Mirror Price List (Reference)
| Vehicle Type |
Mirror Type |
Price (VNĐ) |
| Hyundai Porter Truck |
Basic Mirror |
500,000 – 800,000 |
| Isuzu Truck |
Mirror with Turn Signal |
800,000 – 1,200,000 |
| Hino Truck |
Power Mirror |
1,500,000 – 2,000,000 |
Note: This price list is for reference only. Actual prices may vary depending on the store, time of purchase, and product condition.