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2018 tail light retrofit?

Discussion in 'Prius c Accessories and Modifications' started by Black13C, Oct 16, 2018.

  1. Black13C

    Black13C New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 16, 2018
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    Location:
    Nebraska
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    One
    Short version: Will the 2018 tail lights fit in a 2013?

    I've had my Black 2013 Prius C almost 2 months now. I'm happy with the vehicle overall but those tail lights are awful! I didn't pay much attention to them until I saw the tail lights on a 2015-'17 C. I've read the thread here about retrofitting the 2015-'17 tail lights to a 2012-'14. I was considering going that direction until today. While looking at aftermarket tail lights in a google image search I stumbled across a picture of a stock 2018. I really liked the lights so I clicked the link to learn more. I was quite surprised when taken to a dealer website! I thought they were aftermarket when I first saw them. It's obvious to me now that it was a dealer picture. All the Toyotas in the background and the window sticker visible but I was focused on the tail lights ok? Who hasn't been focused on one thing and missed something completely obvious.

    Not to sound like a diehard Toyota supporter but I'd prefer to stick with factory parts. I feel safer buying from a big company than "some guy" on Ebay just in case I have any issues.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 Black13C, Oct 16, 2018
  2. PCSpaceShip

    PCSpaceShip Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2018
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    Location:
    Kissimmee Florida
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    I really like the tail lights and didn't notice until a few weeks after I got the car. 20180924_194637.jpeg

    Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
     
    #2 PCSpaceShip, Oct 17, 2018
  3. LukeEllis

    LukeEllis Junior Member

    Joined:
    Aug 20, 2015
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    Location:
    Houston
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    I had the exact same thought about a month ago and bought OEM '18 lights from a dealer on eBay. Super bummed when they arrived and I tried to install. The wiring harness is different from the '12-'14 and '15-'18. Starting with '15, they implemented new LED's and changed the harness. So, I think it'd be possible, but it was going to be more expensive and difficult than I was willing to pay for. It would not only require the light fixtures ($135/ea) themselves, but the new lights/bulbs (not included in the lights I bought), wiring harness, and re-wiring it all together...then cross your fingers it all works.

    The eBay store I bought them from is called royalsouthtoyotascion . They've actually got an awesome selection of fairly priced OEM parts.
     
    #3 LukeEllis, Dec 18, 2018
    joelg1988 likes this.
  4. frenzee

    frenzee Member

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2013
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    Location:
    Costa Mesa, CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius c
    Model:
    Three
    Prices, part#s, everything you need:
    What have you done to your c today? | Page 64 | PriusChat

    (more pics in my album)
     
    #4 frenzee, Dec 19, 2018
    Ikarus likes this.
  5. Ikarus

    Ikarus Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2016
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    Location:
    PA
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius c
    Model:
    Four
    Interestingly enough I ended up buying the same tail lights for my 2014 Prius C4 from the same vendor. The main reason I did the change is because my lights had water in it, both of them. I searched through the forum and found several folks with this issue so it's clearly a design flaw from Toyota. While buying the same lamps I had was the cheapest solution I'm afraid I may find the same issue in a few months. I think the problem with the original lamps is that the polycarbonate shell that covers the lamps is to rigid and cracks on the edges (where the water was leaking into my lamps). This newer designs seems to use a more flexible type of polymer on the edges (black) and they also look better IMHO. That said, this was close to $500 with all parts considered which would pay for months of fuel in the first place....

    Thanks much to Frenzee for posting the part numbers!
     
    #5 Ikarus, Jan 6, 2019
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