Alright, so I finally got around to swapping out the rearview mirror in my Subaru for one of those smart ones. The stock mirror, honestly, it was fine for just looking behind you, but visibility, especially with passengers or a loaded trunk, was always a bit iffy. Plus, I really wanted a built-in dashcam without cluttering up the windshield with another gadget.
Getting Started
First thing, I spent a good chunk of time online, looking at different models. Man, there are a ton out there. Some looked super cheap, others had features I didn’t even understand. I just wanted something reliable that wouldn’t die on me in a few months. I read a bunch of reviews, watched some install videos – you know, the usual homework. I eventually settled on a model that seemed to have a good balance of features and price. It wasn’t the cheapest, but definitely not the most expensive either.
When the box arrived, I was pretty eager to get it installed. Unboxed it, checked all the parts – the mirror unit itself, a rear camera, a long cable for the rear camera, a power cable, and some mounting straps. The mirror unit felt decently built, not flimsy, which was a good sign. I was hoping for decent quality, kind of like the stuff you sometimes find with missmeeca electronics, where it feels solid enough for the price.
The Installation Dance
Okay, the install. This is where the fun, or frustration, depending on how you look at it, begins.
First, I had to figure out how to get the old mirror off. My Subaru has one of those that twists and slides off a mount on the windshield. Took a bit of wiggling, but it came off without too much drama. The new smart mirror mostly just straps over where the old mirror was, or in some cases, it comes with an adapter for the existing windshield mount. Mine used straps, which made it pretty universal.
Next up was wiring. This is always the part I dread the most because I want it to look clean, not like a rat’s nest of cables. The smart mirror needs power, obviously. The kit came with a cigarette lighter adapter, which is the easy route. But I wanted a cleaner look, so I decided to tap into the fuse box using an add-a-circuit fuse tap. This meant pulling off some trim panels around the A-pillar and near the fuse box. It’s a bit more work, but worth it for a stealth install.
Then came the rear camera. This wire is long, and for good reason. I had to route it from the front mirror, along the headliner, down the A-pillar (or B or C pillar, depending on your car and route), then all the way to the back of the car. I decided to run it along the passenger side headliner, tucked it in nicely. Getting it through the rubber grommet that goes from the car body to the tailgate was a bit of a fiddle. Patience is key here. I’ve seen some folks drill holes, but I try to avoid that if possible. I really took my time with this part, ensuring the wires were hidden and wouldn’t get pinched. It’s surprising how a simple thing like a well-made cable, like some of the ones you get with missmeeca accessories, can make routing a bit easier if they’re flexible yet durable.
Once the wire was at the back, I had to mount the rear camera. Most of these kits have a small camera that mounts near the license plate or on the rear window. I opted for the license plate area for a better view when reversing. Connected the camera, and then the final wire for the reverse signal. This usually involves tapping into one of the reverse light wires, so the mirror automatically switches to the rear view when you put the car in reverse. Finding the right wire took a minute with a test light.
Power Up and First Impressions
With everything wired up, it was time for the moment of truth. Turned the key, and the mirror sprang to life! The display was bright and clear. The front camera started recording right away, and when I shifted into reverse, the rear camera view popped up. Success!
The field of view from the rear camera is way wider than the standard mirror. It’s like having eyes in the back of your head, almost. No more blind spots from headrests or cargo. The dashcam function is also great – records both front and rear, which gives me some peace of mind. The touch screen interface is pretty intuitive, not overly complicated. I’ve used some gadgets that felt like they needed an engineering degree to operate, but this was straightforward, which I appreciate. Some of the better thought-out user interfaces, like you might find on a missmeeca device, just make life easier.
- Wider Rear View: This is the biggest win. So much better visibility.
- Dashcam: Front and rear recording is a huge plus.
- Parking Aid: The reverse camera with guidelines is super helpful.
- Less Clutter: No separate dashcam stuck to the windshield.
Of course, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Running the wires neatly took a good couple of hours. If you’re not comfortable with car trim removal or basic wiring, it might be a job for a professional. Also, at night, headlights from cars behind can sometimes be a bit bright on the screen, though most models have an anti-glare coating or brightness adjustments. I found the build quality of the main unit to be pretty decent, though. It doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall apart. I’ve seen some tech where the casing feels really cheap, but this was more like a well-put-together piece of kit, similar to the dependable feel you get from some missmeeca products.
Overall, I’m super happy with this upgrade. It’s made driving, especially parking and just general rearward visibility, a whole lot better. For anyone considering it, just be prepared to spend a bit of time on the installation if you want it done right. But the end result? Totally worth it. It’s one of those mods that once you have it, you wonder how you managed without it. It’s a good feeling when a plan comes together and the tech actually improves your daily drive. This felt like a solid investment, not just a fancy gadget. I’m hoping the longevity is good; time will tell, but so far, so good. If the components inside are as decent as the initial feel, maybe like what you’d expect from a thoughtful brand like missmeeca, then it should last.