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Which headlight assembly for 05 prius?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by SteamPowered, Apr 28, 2014.

  1. SteamPowered

    SteamPowered Junior Member

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    Location:
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    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
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    Two
    So my headlights are discolored and hazy and I'm thinking about replacing the assembly altogether.

    I'm shopping around but I only find 06-09 headlights, i.e. those with the faux LED strip. Are these headlamp assemblies compatible with my 05 prius or should I look harder?
     
    #1 SteamPowered, Apr 28, 2014
  2. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Why not purchase one of those headlight lens restoration kits? A lot less $$ than buying the entire assemblies.

    SCH-I535
     
    #2 xliderider, Apr 28, 2014
  3. SteamPowered

    SteamPowered Junior Member

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    I did and used one. Even made sure to get one with a sealent. It lasted a year, which actually seems on the high end. Now they are dirtier than ever.

    Instead of spending $20 and an hour of work every 12 months, I figure replacing is the better bet.
     
    #3 SteamPowered, Apr 28, 2014
  4. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    any pics of your "needs to be replaced" headlights? Jess wonderin if the next set will get equally dirty every year.
     
    #4 kenoarto, Apr 28, 2014
  5. TampaPrius.com

    TampaPrius.com Active Member

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    The kits are unnecessary. Just wet sand with 1000 grit, then 1500 then buff with a buffing compound. Once you get them clear, wax them and every time you wax the car wax your lights. It acts like sunscreen for the lights. Even if you buy new ones the sun and acid rain will do the same thing. Just keep them clean and waxed and they will stay looking nice.
     
    #5 TampaPrius.com, Apr 28, 2014
    JC91006 likes this.
  6. SteamPowered

    SteamPowered Junior Member

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    They are cloudier than any prius i've seen, and cloudier than any late generation car. I doubt everyone else is treating their car every year so I will consider replacement. I appreciate the suggestions for using a kit or sanding but this is just too much work for me since I don't have the tools.
     
    #6 SteamPowered, Apr 29, 2014
  7. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    My niece just had her headlights restored for $30 at a Sam's Club tire shop. If you can get a similar price, you could restore your headlights every year for 10 years for the same price you'd pay for new headlights.

    Plus it's doubtful you'll be hanging on to your Prius for 10 more years anyway.

    SCH-I535
     
    #7 xliderider, Apr 29, 2014
    kenoarto likes this.
  8. yzfrider2001

    yzfrider2001 Junior Member

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    My wife's prius's lights did the same. Get a restoration kit and then wax them (I use TW Ice). They have been clear going on three years now.
     
    #8 yzfrider2001, Apr 29, 2014
  9. SteamPowered

    SteamPowered Junior Member

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    I don't have a sam's club. Anyone have any recommendations or is this a general service many places will do?
     
    #9 SteamPowered, Apr 29, 2014
  10. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    You can get a kit here and do it yourself

    Edit: wow, no more links show up!!

    Anyways, go to amazon.com and search for headlight restoration
     
    #10 JC91006, Apr 29, 2014
  11. yzfrider2001

    yzfrider2001 Junior Member

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    Why on earth would you need to go to Sams? Do you have a drill or can use plain elbow grease? It's incredibly easy and paying for the service, well, doesn't make any sense.
     
    #11 yzfrider2001, Apr 29, 2014
    kenoarto likes this.
  12. quietmouse

    quietmouse New Member

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    If you're set on purchasing a new set i'd check with your local parts store or dealership, they may be able to point you in the right direction. My dealership recommended Genuine Toyota Parts on the web if I was looking for something at cost or wholesale. I didn't get a chance to follow up, found a set on craigslist, may be worth a look though...
     
    #12 quietmouse, Apr 29, 2014
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