A busted side mirror is more than a cosmetic issue. Whether it cracked during a fender-bender, got knocked off in a parking lot, or just stopped working, it messes with your ability to drive safely. In many places, it can get you ticketed. Still, it’s one of those parts people forget about until it’s gone.
Most modern side mirrors come loaded with extras like heat, blind spot sensors, memory settings, and power-folding. So when you replace one, you’re also keeping those built-in safety features working the way they should. And with OEM parts often costing more than they should, aftermarket mirrors are a smart, budget-friendly way to get the same features without the markup.
If you’re on the hunt for a replacement, the five brands below consistently hit the mark for quality, price, and a stress-free fit.
JC Whitney’s been around since 1915, so they know a thing or two about car parts. Their mirrors are solid, straightforward, and built to match original specs. If you’re replacing a mirror for the first time, these are easy to install and easy on the wallet. Mechanics like them. So do weekend DIYers.
Price: $14.49 – $1,246.99
Adjustability: Manual or power
Finish: Textured black or paintable
Sold As: Singles or pairs
Warranty: 1 year
Fit: Bolt-on direct replacement
Our Rating: 10/10
Kool Vue specializes in mirrors, and they do it well. Whether you need a plain manual mirror or one with all the bells and whistles—like blind spot alerts and heating—this brand probably has it. Their tech-ready options are surprisingly affordable compared to what dealers charge.
Price: $10.99 – $1,279.99
Adjustability: Manual and power
Features: Heating, puddle lights, signal lights, blind spot detection
Finish: Textured black, chrome, or paintable
Warranty: 1 year
Fit: Plug-and-play
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Dorman® is known for parts that just fit and work. Their mirrors are well-built and tested to handle real-world abuse. While they don’t pack in high-tech features on most models, they’re a solid pick for reliable replacements—especially if you’re towing or driving an older vehicle.
Price: $14.49 – $308.15
Adjustability: Manual or power
Finish: Black or paint-to-match
Extras: Built-in heating
Warranty: Lifetime
Sold As: Singles or pairs
Our Rating: 9/10
If you want a mirror that looks and acts like your original without spending a fortune, ReplaceXL is a great option. Many of their models include premium features like memory recall, auto-dimming, and blind spot sensors. Plus, they’re built to fit right out of the box.
Price: $11.05 – $1,674.49
Adjustability: Mostly power
Features: Signal lights, memory recall, blind spot detection, heating, auto-dimming
Finish: Chrome, textured black, or paintable
Folding: Some power-folding models
Warranty: Lifetime
Our Rating: 9.5/10
Mopar® is the go-to if you’re driving a Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, or RAM and want a mirror that’s identical to the original. Their stuff isn’t cheap, but it’s factory-built and made to work with your car’s systems, no guesswork needed.
Price: $13.15 – $1,214.49
Fit: Exact match for FCA vehicles
Build: Factory quality
Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Compatibility: Trim-specific options available
Installation: OE replacement with hardware
Our Rating: 9.5/10
All five brands are worth considering, but if we had to choose one, we’d go with JC Whitney®. They’ve got the experience, the quality, and the pricing that make mirror replacement painless. You don’t need a luxury feature set—just something that works. And JC Whitney® delivers exactly that.
This sounds obvious, but it’s easy to get wrong. Always double-check the year, make, and model. Use an online fitment tool to avoid ending up with the wrong size or part.
Your mirror might have more going on than you realize. Look for these features:
Downgrading could mean losing features or triggering a dash warning.
Most aftermarket mirrors come in one of three finishes:
Also, make sure the housing holds up against UV rays and bad weather.
Look for plug-and-play models with matching connectors. A good brand will usually include everything you need—no wiring hacks or extra trips to the parts store.
A decent warranty is a good sign. ReplaceXL and Dorman® offer lifetime coverage, Kool Vue backs theirs for a year, and Mopar® gives you up to three years. Bonus points if you’re shopping somewhere like CarParts.com, which offers hassle-free returns.
A broken side mirror might seem small, but it can throw off your whole driving experience. The good news? You don’t need to spend a fortune at the dealership. Brands like JC Whitney®, Kool Vue, and ReplaceXL give you everything you need at a great price.
Shop CarParts.com to browse thousands of affordable, ready-to-ship replacements that get you back on the road fast.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.