I have a set of PUTCO LED's and not only is the beam pattern terrible, but the built in fan is really noisy. If you're not using the ICE, you get a terrible hum from the engine bay. I've had them in for a while and I'm not interested in swapping out projectors or anything that drastic so I'll probably just settle for crappy headlights. I've tried what was supposed to be a decent set of HID's and didn't like the ground shadow they projected and they actually started to flicker after a while anyway so that's why I switched to the LED. We tried those HID's in a Toyota Sienna and had no issue so I'm not sure what the problem was in the Prius.
I heard hid's have issues. One light turns on at times and one doesn't. They also get very hotLEDs are just not bright enough for me is why I'm asking. They look really nice, but they don't go far enough.
If you use a drop-in LED bulb in a halogen housing, you're going to have crappy lighting; there's just no way around it. The LEDs will put out a lot of foreground light, which actually reduces your distance vision because of the higher contrast. If you want LED headlights, do it right and retrofit some OEM units--they're becoming widely available as people total Corollas, Muranos, Rogues, etc. I have Corolla projectors in mine, and distance lighting is far better than stock halogens.
Very true, but it's the $$$ that's holding me back. Hid's look great, but it's just they have too many issues in the Prius. My 4Runner never had issues with hid.
Yeah--but if you check The Retrofit Source, in the closeouts section they often have LED assemblies for not much more than cheap HIDs, and significantly less than a true HID retrofit. Right now they have Nissan Rogue and Toyota Corolla for $100 ($25 less than when I bought them!), and Nissan Murano for $130. Throw in some clear lenses for $40, and you're looking at not much more than an HID drop-in kit or LED drop-ins for OEM quality build and output.
A recommended set from The Retrofit Source. I used this company since the last 8 years for different vehicles including 3 Prii models.
As easy as it can be. A quote of advise, get the wiring harness plus the relays, it will make your install 100% better. Average install time is 2 hs. for a beginner.
+1 on the HID relay harness. Don't listen to advice that a canbus relay is needed (it's not), or that a relay isn't necessary (it is for reliable power for initial striking of the arc). Also, make sure you get the proper H11 bulbs, with the ground wire in the 6 o'clock position after installation, or you will have ground shadows.
I got these: OPT7 AC 55W H11 H8 H9 HID Kit w Relay Harness Bundle ¦ All Xenon Light Colors | eBay Very bright. No ground shadows. Both turn on at the same time. No issues. I was thinking about doing a LED retro fit myself...and I'm still considering it, but the cost is going to be a lot. Z.
