Why change to HIDS?

So all one has to do is replace the headlight unit with one manufactured for HIDs, but state inspectors won't know the difference? All you have to do is tell them you replaced the entire units?

 

HID's may produce superior light (more efficient, natural light), however the operational cost is a real killer.

Maintenance:

1) Halogen bulb replacement: $ 15.00
2) HID's bulb / electronics replacement: $ 500.00 +
​

If money was not a consideration (like I won the lottery), I'd get HID's. From a practical perspective, I'm going with Halogens.

That's my story, and I'm sticking to it...

Keith

P.S. as LED's become more mainstream, then they may provide a more viable alternative.

 

You can get a pair of quality DOT compliant (claimed) HID bulbs for about $60 on ebay.

 

How do you figure that $500 for HID?

 

yeah, you don't necessarily have to replace the whole system if a bulb goes out.. just the bulb like halogen, no scene in replacing a good ballast if it works fine

 

Over the past several years there have been many, many discussions on PriusChat about the high maintenance costs of repairing HID's on the 2004-2009 generation Prius. I suggest that you do a search on HID's and see for yourselves the financial pain and suffering experienced by others.

Keith

 

Well... I hope that isn't the case with the 2010.
It must be something with the Prius specifically, because I
and others have used HID lights for years without needing
to perform "maintenance" on them. It's just a lightbulb.

 

nola...have you installed that HID kit yet? it's only $180 and I'm tempted as the 2010 doesnt come with the HID on all IV's and lower...My III has Navi and I'm tempted to pickup a kit and give it a shot...

 

I did install it the other night and I'm loving them, just as I expected to.

I've been busy and meaning to take some good pics, but I'm not much of a photographer. I tried taking a quick few the other night, but they didn't really come out too well. I don't have any experience taking pictures at night and trying to get whatever settings right, to give a natural representation of the lights.