dcarre

I'm looking for a replacement for the complete assembly of the right-hand (driver's side in Australia) side view mirror for a RX 350 (2006, white). Looking at ebay and online parts sites, they seem to be heaps cheaper in the USA. Wondering if I can purchase one from there and it would work in the Aussie model. I do have family in the US to get it sent to if nec. Not sure what info I'd need to supply to ensure correct replacement part.
I backed into a pole and broke the mirror itself, the casing, and apparently the pin that stops it winding right out, so I think I need to replace the entire unit, even though all the motors still work.
Thanks for your help.

dcdyd

I am almost certain that the mirror assembly is the same. However what you can do is to take the mirror off and compare the location of the screws which hold the mirror to the body. And then compare the connector of the cables from the mirror to the mirror switch module inside the door panel.

In addition, you need to know whether your existing mirror is heated it not, having memory or not as well as having the auto dimming function or not. And then buy the one with matches to these.

The dealer charges around $500 for the whole mirror assembly and you can buy it from eBay below $150. It is a big saving.

draco

dcarre have you tried www.findapart.com.au to get one of a wreckers?

dcarre

Thanks dcdyd for the advice. I'll follow up on that. Yes, that would be a big saving - dealer quoted Aus$568 (US$596) for part only!

Do I need to be wary of bad quality after-market parts on ebay or elsewhere?

Thanks draco, I've also put in a request at findapart.com.au.

neelnaik

Another thing to keep in mind if you are planning on buying the part from the US is that the side mirrors on the US models do not power fold, whereas I think some of the AU ones have that as an option?

dcdyd

I have used after marketing parts for most cars I have owned. Normally I use after market parts for non critical repairs.

Actually I am buying one driver side mirror assembly from eBay and I will receive it early next week. We will see how it goes.

LEXRX04

it should work with out any problems. Just make sure that if you have power fold that you get the same....pretty standard mirror

dcarre

Thanks neelnaik, dcdyd, & LexRx04. Good tips. My mirrors do have power fold, so it looks like I won't be able to source it in the US. I'd probably have to paint it the right colour too (White Pearl Crystal Shine), so I expect I'll end up paying the big bucks and getting it from a dealer.