I'm on the verge of ordering my Prius, and I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the HID headlights. What are their pros and cons? I'm concerned by reports that the HID don't do well on low beam, but I haven't been able to test drive a Prius with them for comparison. Thanks, Linda
Better check and see how much those puppies cost to replace. I talked to one repair shop the other day and he said something about one headlight costing $1500. If you're like me and carry a high deductible that'll put a dent in your left hip pocket (or whichever pocket you carry your wallet in).
"Don't do well on low beam"???? Are you kidding? That's when HIDs shine! ound: I have HIDs on my Prius. I also had the opportunity to drive a non-HID Prius at night. It seemed like something was wrong with their headlights. The lines in the road weren't as sharp. The traffic signs didn't pop. I'll never go back to regular headlights. I'm now a headlight snob.
HID headlights are really great when they are working. However when you have a failure, they are VERY expensive to repair. If you plan to keep the vehicle for a long time, chances are your will have an HID headlight repair to pay for. I've drive two Prius automobiles - one with HID and one with regular headlights. Regular headlights do a good job and are relatively inexpensive to maintain. The choice is yours...... Keith
There are a few reports of poor distance of the low beams on the HIDs. Most notably, Consumer Reports recently tested the Touring Edition and found the low beam distance of the HIDs so lacking that it gave the Touring Edition's HIDs its lowest rating. I'm wondering if maybe those with poor performing HIDs just need to adjust the HIDs or check the self-leveling mechanism.
The distance visibility is great with my HIDs. I've had numerous aftermarket headlight assemblies, including aftermarket HIDs and halogen bulbs, on various vehicles and the Prius HIDs work great. The output tends to be more yellow than say a BMW or Audio HIDs but visibility is great and I wouldn't change anything. As for expense on repairs, one could opt for an aftermarket kit rather than pay the supposed $1500 charge. Companies will soon be producing bulbs to replace (new) factory units so there should be no reason to spend $1500 for a single unit malfunction (bulb or ballast).
just understand HID bulb replacements aren't the $10 deal at the auto parts store. and don't leave your headlights on at all times.
Thanks, everyone! I do keep cars a long time -- I've had my Jeep 11.5 years and am trading it because of its poor gas mileage. Although I've never had to replace a headlight (knock on wood), I appreciate the information about HID replacement costs. Linda
Having your headlamps on all the time is not the issue with HIDs. It's the power cycle on and off. That is what would shorten the life.
Yeah, I'm not looking forward to the future repair cost but I have to say that I REALLY like the HIDs. Much more than I anticipated. Like others have said, conventional lights seem dirty and dim once you get used to the HIDs. I'm not sure it would be a deal breaker though.
I, agree with the above comment. I'll never go back to regular headlights. As far as the replacement cost, Unless you hit a rock, or get in an accident, the HID's will probably last 8-10yr with regular use. I don't ever expect to have to replace mine. If I do, I see tham on EBAY all the time for around $150.00
Is it possible to put in the regular headlamps at a future date? I am getting a #5 and I'm a little afraid of the replacement cost on the lamps. So for instance say I had a failure could I just replace them with after market lamps. I assume I would have to buy the whole unit (lenses and everything) if it is even possible. Thanks G
