How diffucult is it to replace the side view mirror

[DesiPower]

I broke the one on the passenger side on my Camry while reversing it into the garage last night... I called the parts dept and the cost of the mirror is about $170 and labor is around $100. I was wondering how difficult is it to replace it myself and save $$$...

Also, where and how can I buy online? (I am guessing it will be cheaper) the parts dept asked my VIN to match some stuff... if I look for it myself online how and what should I look for?

Model Details
08 Camry Hybrid Gray

 

[punjabiplaya]

www.rockauto.com

shouldn't be that hard, check out some camry forums

 

[alfa147x]

I bought the mirror off of ebay for my old civic. It was around $50 installation took about 15 mins

 

[jlee]

Assuming it's not a heated mirror, you can get an OEM Toyota part for $132.29 from www.lithiatoyotaparts.com (you can call Aaron Willis in their parts department if you want to confirm the part...tell him you were referred to by Josh/JLee from MR2OC). It's under 'front door' -> 'Mirror Assy', then choose which you have (I am guessing US non-heated).

I'm not sure how the Camry mirrors are, but typically you pop the sail panel off the inside and there's 3-4 bolts holding it on, as well as a wiring harness plug. It shouldn't be difficult at all.

 

[bockie]

This was on a 1999 Pontiac Grand Am, but it may not be an option if appearance is of utmost importance.

When the mirror broke off, there were essentially three screws on the inside of the car that went through the door and screwed into the mirror.

The receptacle / screw holes broke off right at the end of the screws. I still had the mirrors structural integrity (well, at least 95%). I basically reversed the setup. I drilled though the screw holes to the outside of the mirror, got sufficiently long bolts, lock washers and nuts, and reassembled it with the lock washers and nuts on the inside.

Now, you can see three bolts on the outside of my mirror assembly, since they go from the outside to the inside, but $5 vs $50+ was worth it for me.

Paint the screws the color of your mirror (in my case black) and it's only noticeable if you are looking for it.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Assuming it's not a heated mirror, you can get an OEM Toyota part for $132.29 from www.lithiatoyotaparts.com (you can call Aaron Willis in their parts department if you want to confirm the part...tell him you were referred to by Josh/JLee from MR2OC). It's under 'front door' -> 'Mirror Assy', then choose which you have (I am guessing US non-heated).

I'm not sure how the Camry mirrors are, but typically you pop the sail panel off the inside and there's 3-4 bolts holding it on, as well as a wiring harness plug. It shouldn't be difficult at all.

This. I've done this on a couple vehicles and it is very easy.

 

[Squisher]

Did you remove the whole assembly when you hit the garage or just break the glass? There are aftermarket glass replacements that glue on too.

 

[bruceb]

Rockauto has the mirror for around $45 or so .. there are a couple of makes for them, but cost is about the same. And as mentioned install is very easy. But the new mirror will come in either Black or Primer. So if you want it to color match the door, you need to get it painted. You can probably do that with Dupli-Color Spray paint.

 

[rcpratt]

I got mine for $40 off rockauto and did it myself, and I know nothing about cars. I did have to buy a dumb hex screwdriver to get my door panel off.

 

[DesiPower]

Thanks glee for the reference!

Did you remove the whole assembly when you hit the garage or just break the glass? There are aftermarket glass replacements that glue on too.

Unfortunately the whole thing broke off and is a dangling dong now...

I dont think the $45 ones will work as they are not motorized and they are all black. The once I found for $130ish they are motorized OEMs and are available in Gray color, the color of my car...
I will try to take it off the first thing tomorrow, if I am successful THEN I will go ahead and buy the $130 one.
One think I have in mind is to first try to put it together with superglue, wires and stuff... if it holds I will give that a try... or else order a new one...