Heated Outside Mirrors on Sentra for 2009 in USA?

[S4B]

Canadian Sentra models feature this important feature, but Nissan USA deems not to equip the Sentra or Versa this way. And, I cannot buy one new from a Canadian dealer. They say their franchise agreement with Nissan Canada prohibits this, and the warranty is null and void if one attempts to register in the U.S. As I live less than two hours from the Canadian (Ontario) border, it is very frustrating. Winters here are just as harsh as they are on the other side of the border. Yet their Sentras come with heated outside mirrors and an engine block heater. Along with a considerably higher pricetag. Same story on the Rogue, unless you buy the SL model with leather seats and AWD. So, I ask and beg Nissan USA to equip these cars with those features, perhaps as a value option package for future 2009 models? Anyone care to comment? Any Canadian dealer wish to chime in and help? I've already written off the 2008 model year. Incidentally, Toyota Corolla 2009 now makes heated, folding mirrors available as part of a package. Both US and Canadian models. Can't Nissan USA do this? Instead of loading up the car with fancy audio options and push button ignition?

[nametakennow]

On other cars I've seen a "cold weather package" or something along those lines, but I don't see it for the Sentra, which is odd. Have you talked to a dealer about it? You might even be able to get them to order the mirrors and battery warmer assembly. I'd be willing to bet that American models are already wired for it anyway.

[S4B]

Yes, I did check with a Rochester area dealer. According to them, the Sentra is not pre-wired for this. And that they could not install heated mirrors as a result of that. An engine block heater could be installed, using an aftermarket one though. I was disappointed that Sentra couldn't be equipped in this fashion. Versa incidentally, same story. Available as standard equipment in most trim levels, but not in the U.S. Guess I could go for the new Corolla, but at higher cost. And lower driving satisfaction. Interesting to note though,that Hyundai Elantra, VW Jetta, and now Toyota Corolla, carry at least the heated mirrors. Mitsubishi Lancer,along with Nissan Sentra do not, though their Canadian counterparts do. Honda Civic began to carry the feature if you went to their top of the line Civic EX-L model for 2008 model year in the U.S., while its Canadian counterpart carried the feature in most trim levels. Even the new Ford Focus makes it available in its SES trim level. Not that I'm about to go out and buy one. As an aside, I like the idea very much of the gas filler neck on the passenger side of Sentra & Versa. Ford Focus features that as well. Comes in handy at busy gas stations. Most of the other Japan/Korean imports feature the filler neck on the drivers' side. For safety and convenience reasons, I prefer the filler neck on the passenger side...and Nissan delivers on their smaller compact cars. Now, how about a "winter package" on Sentra/Versa?

[Buzzman]

Food for thought: Your Rochester area dealer says it's a no go for modifying the mirrors, but what if you happened to be in Canada for a little visit, and went to a Canadian dealership? It would be interesting to hear what they have to say. They may have the parts (mirror assembly), and other stuff to modify the Sentra.

[graphicdude]

That's what I am thinking as well. Make a visit this summer to Canada and purchase the parts. The wiring wouldn't be that hard and install should be fairly easy. But the kicker may be the price of the parts. Block heater cords are easy to install and are cheap up here. You can visit a Canadian Tire or Part Source if you don't want to pay the crazy price at the dealership.

[rhino11]

my heated mirrors and engine block heater came retail on my spec v 08 in canada.

[Buzzman]

Rochester area dealer. According to them, the Sentra is not pre-wired for this. And that they could not install heated mirrors as a result of that.

OK, I don't have the facts to back this up, but from my personal experience with all my Nissans, I strongly suspect that the wiring is actually there. Your dealer probably just wants you to go away. I can't see for the life of me that Nissan would change their manufacturing process just to eliminate one wiring harness for U.S. cars. After all, they all come from the same factory.FYI: I had the same thing told to me about the wiring for fog-lights. In fact, all my cars were pre-wired. (I installed OEM fogs in my Altima and Pathy.)If I happen to be near my dealership, I might just drop in and ask them about the mirrors.

[gotak]

There's a possibility that one car somewhere has a heated mirror on the driver side. Since they fit "a" regular mirror to my car and the dealer had to replace that after I found out in the first snow storm. So they might have fit a single heated mirror to the other side.

And the replacement took all of 3 minutes so yes most likely the wiring is all there.