OK first let me apologize if this was covered recently, I didn't see anything in my searches but its possible I missed something. I've been having an awful time with my 2013 Prius headlights (halogen). I'm wondering if it's possible that the 700 watt amp I had installed is causing a dimming issue, but the lights are very dim even when I'm not listening to the radio (they are never inconsistently dim, like when a bass note hits or anything, always dim). I'm researching the best fix, and it seems I can replace the bulbs and see if that helps, but I think the HID kits I'm seeing online are cheap enough to install. What is the best kit? I'm seeing kits from retrofit source, hidextra, and xenonsupply. Some require you to dismantle the light, some don't, but I simply don't know enough to know what is best. I want lots of light, what's the best way to get it? 35 watt or 50? Low beam only or both beams? My requirements: <$250, works with factory controls (do I have to turn off daytime running headlights?), bright (for safety, not vanity) Definitely open to LED if it's the right prixe Toyota Prius HID Xenon Headlight Package Deal - Toyota Prius HID Lights H11 HID Light Conversion Kit | HIDeXtra Industry Best H11 Morimoto Elite HID Kit : HID Systems : The Retrofit Source Nexus 6 ?
Also I talked to the local shop who did my car stereo, they install this kit for $239: Race Sport Lighting > Home Nexus 6 ?
I have seen a number of lengthy and emotional discussions (here and elsewhere) on this topic and I think in most every case the definition of "what's best" varies by individual. My first HID kit was for my Prius C from XenonSupply. I was very pleased because the kit was inexpensive, easy to install, and super bright! I loved it. I didn't get flashed by other drivers... very much. Since then I've seen that the easy, cheap, bright criterion can rub some people the wrong way. There are a lot of people that feel the light dispersion pattern is more important than anything else, for safety reasons. If courtesy to other drivers ranks high for you, then you should probably be looking at a retrofit that replaces the lens designed for halogens with a lens that is designed for HIDs. Today I am of the opinion that it is worth the extra expense and effort to create something that you can be proud of. I suggest reading this thread to start: wanting to clarify on some things before HID install. | PriusChat
HID retro fit kit. I got mine in this weekend. Absolutely way better than the stocks. Better than HIDs in the stock halogen projectors because of the "squirrel finders" Fairly sharp cut off, even lighting across the deck. Glad did it. Unfortunately, you have to do the labor. I've done retro fits before and this was by far the easiest. No trimming or anything. Plus you have Bi-Xenon projector, so the hi-beams are a little bit brighter than the stock hi-beams. iPhone ?
If you don't mind going with LEDs, this was my solution. I previously drove a 2010 Prius 5 with the stock LEDs and loved them. Hit a deer while driving that car and ended up in a 2014 Prius 3 with 100K fewer miles (and halogen headlights). Upgrading headlights was my first priority. My son, a Ford Master Mechanic, found these for me and I installed both low and high beams last year. They do come with a fan on the tail, but have not noticed any noise coming from them that would be a distraction. They put out 4000 lumens per lamp and were easy to install with a pair of nitrile gloves for handling. I've been happy with them when compared to the halogens. It may just be my perception, but they don't seem quite as bright as what my stock LEDs were on my 2010 Prius. I'm trying to find a Toyota sourced article that will tell me how many lumens those lamps had so that I can see if my perception is wrong. Nonetheless, would go to these new ones again as they seem durable and light up the road a lot better than what I had.
