Deep Dark Ugly Mirrors!

I don't mean to start a debate (because it already has happened in other threads) over the use of convex mirrors. Either you like them, and find them of value, or not.....

I personally like them.

But I have had a DEVIL of a time finding a convex mirror I like with the Prius. I don't know if it is the shape of the Prius mirror or what, but finding one that looks decent has been a pain.

Thank god, they are not that expensive because I've bought about 10 in the past 4 weeks. I can't find one that is a good size, looks okay on the mirror, and is of good quality.

I found a really GOOD looking one, made of real glass, but unfortunately it was not a real convex mirror. It was a small flat mirror that you could adjust and angle in. Even though it looked the best, and stayed the clearest during rain, I did not like it because the whole idea of a Convex mirror, is that it shows about everything in your blind spot. The small flat adjustable mirror had to be angled just right and if it got out of adjustment it was just like your regular mirror. So that did not last.

Then every other convex mirror has been either too large, too small or actually just too cheap. Some of the cheapest are just a reflective sticker, and those get really hard to see if it rains, seems like the droplets like to stay on the surface.

Every store I find myself in, I check the automotive department and "try" another. I've pulled so much 3M tape off my drivers side mirror, I'm surprised I haven't broke it.

Anyone have any suggestions as to a good sized one.....not SUV big...but not too small, that is actually built nicely...not just a sticker on a bubble?

I've used one for decades, but for some reason finding one I like with The Prius mirrors has been difficult.

 

Like I said, because this "debate" has happened before. Don't really want to visit Convex Mirrors...Yay or Nay.

But I do BOTH....

I do adjust my mirrors outward exactly as you describe. I use the 3 mirror system.

Although in many ways it does make the convex mirror redundant...I still feel more comfortable with the convex mirror.

First of all, they help a lot if you are simply trying to parallel park and want to judge how close your tires are to curb. The rest of the time I find the convex mirrors to be a nice safety net. Often times decisions with driving happen in a split second...and having that convex mirror is just one more reason I WON'T be gliding over into somebody else.

And even the most perfectly adjusted mirror can get out of adjustment, by getting bumped in the parking lot, or going through a car wash.

So anyway...I like using a convex mirror. This even with my mirrors properly adjusted for the 3 mirror system.

LOL! Well since they usually are sold in packs of two, I have a nice collection of unacceptable ones built up.

Actually I may of found a passable one just yesterday. Got it at a place as exotic as "Auto Zone" but it is an oblong sized one, that actually does a real good job.

But keeping my eye out for something better has become a constant hobby.

 

I'm just looking for one of those common stick on mirrors. I've had one on all my vehicles for a long time. Like I said, I can find plenty of them, but none that I think are a good size, good quality and look decent.

I've never considered replacing the entire mirror with the OEM Euro.

I went to the Auto Zone website and to be honest, now I'm not sure the one I am currently using was purchased at Auto Zone. What I've been doing is checking out what is available whenever I find myself in or near a store that sells auto parts. Usually they are so cheap if one looks "possible" I'll just buy it throw it in the corner and try it out on the weekend.

So I grabbed this one and tried it this weekend. It's not great, but it's okay. So far the best compromise I can find. But I couldn't find one that looked exactly like it at the Auto Zone website, so now I'm not sure exactly what store I did get it from...LOL! I've bought so many the past month, I've lost track of all the stores I've tried.

Anyway, it's just an oblong "squarish" shaped one. It's a pretty good size. From a utility standpoint it works good. It's plastic and pretty thick. I think I'm happy for now, but will casually keep my eye's open.

 

No I haven't seen those. But they look interesting. I might have to try one of those. If I buy one, I'll let you know whether I like it or not.