Electrochromic Mirrors?

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by CTorPrius?, Nov 14, 2016.

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  1. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    The equipment lists "Auto-Dimming Mirror w/ Homelink". This sounds like it is only referring to the rearview mirror. I have not found an item for side mirrors. Are the side mirrors electrochromic as well?
     
    #1 CTorPrius?, Nov 14, 2016
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i have never heard of auto dimming side mirrors, but i don't get out much.:cool:
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 14, 2016
  3. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    They are definitely a thing. On many cars out there.
     
    #3 CTorPrius?, Nov 14, 2016
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  4. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Nope. Still a Lexus thing (except... Avalon and Sienna I believe..)
     
    #4 Tideland Prius, Nov 14, 2016
  5. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    I was really wanting this feature. Thought it would be available on the advanced tech package. Seems like such a basic thing that should have been made standard years ago - or at least paired with electrochromic rear view mirrors.
     
    #5 CTorPrius?, Nov 14, 2016
  6. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Slowly making its way down.

    I find the Prius to be one of the forward tech cars for the money. It sometimes eschews the traditional luxury items (like leather and moonroof and power seats on the Gen 2) for tech toys like bluetooth and smart key (it was one of 3 cars in 2003/2004 to have those features - the others being the 3.5RL/RL and LS430).

    One thing I've noticed making its way down fast is the heated steering wheel.
     
    #6 Tideland Prius, Nov 14, 2016
  7. CTorPrius?

    CTorPrius? Member

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    I hardly think of Bluetooth and smart key as being tech toys. If you have a look at the competition, many cars already have these. I really did expect electrochromic as a safety feature from the Prime.
     
    #7 CTorPrius?, Nov 14, 2016
  8. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    Which is why I explicitly said 2003/2004. Back then, they were tech toys. The Prius was the only one with SKS. The 2004 RL had an early form of SKS but it still had a plastic twist key instead of a push button start.

    In 2009, the Gen 3 was the only one in its class with Pre-Collision, Lane Keep Assist (not the Lane Departure Warning on the Gen 4 which is a step down in terms of function) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Those were tech toys that only recently made it down to the competition (2013 Accord, 2012 Fusion etc). It also had the solar roof which Toyota wanted to use to charge the battery but couldn't figure it out before production. Something about the electromagnetic frequency and interference.

    So yes, while it has taken its time with other traditional features, it has pushed forward with items not found in its class.

    For the Gen 4, while it retrograded from LKA to LDW w/ SA, it moved forward with PCS and DRCC. It's one of the few in its class to get full-range DRCC (The Fusion is the other). Even other Toyotas with TSS-P do not have full range DRCC.
     
    #8 Tideland Prius, Nov 14, 2016
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  9. Veliksam

    Veliksam Member

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    It might be an option in Japan. Time will tell, we might see some used one's on yahoo auctions Japan if they do exist.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #9 Veliksam, Nov 14, 2016
  10. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    i don't like auto dim, it doesn't dim as much as manual, but my old eyes are sensitive. i wear wrap around sunglasses at night.:cool: i prefer to turn the side view mirrors down at night.
     
    #10 bisco, Nov 14, 2016
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  11. Tideland2005

    Tideland2005 Member

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    I can't believe the only way to get a Prime with auto-dimming rear view mirror is to buy the Advanced. Sucks
     
    #11 Tideland2005, Nov 14, 2016
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  12. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    Same problem with the liftback. Can't get one on the three.
     
    #12 Lee Jay, Nov 14, 2016
  13. fuzzy1

    fuzzy1 Senior Member

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    My '14 Forester has them. And it isn't even an upper trim level.
    I never had manual dimming side mirrors, other than temporarily aiming them at the ground. But after moving from a rural area (no multi-lane roads) to an urban zone (6- and 8-lane freeways), I learned how to better aim them for better side coverage of adjacent lanes. As a bonus, this minimum overlap setting abolished the mirror glare from cars directly behind, significantly reduced the overall problem.
     
    #13 fuzzy1, Nov 14, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 14, 2016
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  14. DavidA

    DavidA Prius owner since July 2009

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    Hardly a problem, because the problem is that auto-dimming barely works (or doesn't) at all. I have never seen a difference at night even when I toggle between on and off.
     
    #14 DavidA, Nov 15, 2016
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  15. Prius Maximus

    Prius Maximus Senior Member

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    Mine worked great on my 04. You can help it by covering the sensor with electrical tape. Since it works based on the difference between the amount of light on either side of the mirror, the darker it is out the front makes the mirror darken more.
     
    #15 Prius Maximus, Nov 15, 2016
  16. Lee Jay

    Lee Jay Senior Member

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    It certainly works on my 04 as well, and without any tape.
     
    #16 Lee Jay, Nov 15, 2016
  17. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    You do not list a Prius, but PriusChat Shop has the mirror for Gen 4. (may be less expensive elsewhere).

    Auto-Dimming Mirror with Homelink for 2016 Toyota Prius - PriusChat Shop
    Gen 3: Auto-Dimming Mirror with Homelink for 2010-2015 Toyota Prius - OEM - PriusChat Shop
    Prius v: Auto-Dimming Mirror with Homelink for 2012-2016 Toyota Prius v - PriusChat Shop
    Prius c: Auto-Dimming Mirror with Homelink for 2012-2016 Toyota Prius c - PriusChat Shop
     
    #17 Prodigyplace, Nov 15, 2016
  18. Veliksam

    Veliksam Member

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    The guy is talking about the exterior rear view mirrors. Not the one inside.

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #18 Veliksam, Nov 15, 2016
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  19. Tideland2005

    Tideland2005 Member

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    Quite true. Although for me, I can justify the cost and like the equipment that come with level 4.

    Kind regards
     
    #19 Tideland2005, Nov 15, 2016
  20. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace 2025 Camry XLE FWD

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    Sorry, I guess I meant to respond to @Tideland Prius post about the rear view mirror availability.:(
     
    #20 Prodigyplace, Nov 15, 2016
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