busted xenon headlights

The OEM HID bulb costs $300 - $350 each.

But if I were you, I would try to get your dealer to fix the problem under warranty. Although I think bulbs are expressly excluded from the warranty, I think a HID bulb failure on a 2008 is strong evidence of a defect in the bulb or somewhere else in the HID system that rightfully should be covered. I'd jump up and down and scream if I had to.

Failing that, or if you don't want to spring for the major dollars of an OEM bulb, I'd consider getting the inexpensive ones off eBay.

Windstrings seems satisfied with the inexpensive HID replacement bulbs he bought from eBay for his 2006 Prius (bulb size D4R -- same size as yours):

http://priuschat.com/forums/care-ma...7938-my-hid-bulb-replacement-my-06-prius.html

I think Windstrings bought his 2 for $69 bulbs from this eBay seller:

Search results for Lighting, Lamps & Accessories 4300K HID Xenon D4R in Car & Truck Parts & Accessories

And here's a link to Bruceha 2000's HID installation photos for his 2004 Prius (bulb size D2R -- different size than yours):

PriusChat Forums - bruceha_2000's Album: 2004 Prius HID bulb Replacement

Good luck.

 

Search for HID failures here. It's a problem Toyota fixes with both a new bulb and a new controller (ballast). Toyota warrantee covers the ballast but not the bulb. have then write up the warrantee work for the ballast, then ADD the bulb replacement work to the work order (so the R&R labor common to both operations is part of the covered work). Then ask Toyota customer service to comp the bulb cost. When you do, point out this is a known quality problem with the Prius. The dealer service writer probably knows this and can help yu through the maze. You will have to pay for the bulb up front, then wait for a check from Toyota.

Check the NHTSA site and search for the problem--there are dozens of filings.

 

No; unfortunately, in order to cover the ballast replacement under warrantee, Toyota insisted that the bulbs be replaced at the same time.