My 2015 Prius v was hit by a neglected cart in the parking lot a few days ago while I was inside the store. The driver's side tail light cover (clear plastic part) was smashed and now there's a 3" x 3" hole in it. I thought it would be an easy fix, costing around $30-$50. It turns out that the entire unit needs to be swapped out. One mechanic said he can't even get this part for a Prius (almost every other car, yes). Another mechanic thinks he can get one, but says he'll have to get it from Toyota. I took the car to the dealership, and they're quoting me a price of approximately $415 for the part itself. Is that really the best price I can get? I've never purchased parts on my own before, because typically a non-dealer mechanic can get the part much cheaper than the dealer. I tried a quick Google search and the results were unclear - almost as if it were possible for earlier models, but not for a car this new. I decided to ask here before confusing myself or ordering the wrong thing. Any guidance at all would be appreciated.
I had a similar incident with my previous Toyota (1993 Corolla DX Wagon) and I found a replacement light unit (whole assembly, including wiring harness & bulbs & shipping) on eBay for < $100 (this was a while ago, so YMMV) - Good luck!
2015 Toyota Prius v Parts - Camelback Toyota Parts - Genuine OEM Parts - Free Shipping $222.68 Camelback Toyota Pay with Paypal Free Shipping to street address NO PO BOXES Toyota Genuine Factory Part Fits 2015 Toyota Prius v (lowercase v) Three Part Number: 8156147270
I assume your non-dealer mechanic is using aftermarket parts when possible instead of OEM. The independent repair shop owners I've know have bought parts from franchised auto dealers at modest surcharge over what the dealer pays.
What about an aftermarket Chinese LED conversion unit? You'd want a pair, but might still be cheaper than the dealership price. Otherwise you're off to the junkyard for a nationwide search.
E-pay... You can find them salvaged from wrecked cars there and save some cash. Not that hard to access to change it out. Bill the Engineer
i am having the same problem! is a knockoff just as good as an original? I'm. thinking a salvage yard now..
