Replacement headlights question

885 Views | 8 Replies | Last: 11 days ago by 1agswitchin4lanes
traxter
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Anyone done a replacement headlight from Ebay? I'm pretty sure it's a cheap Chinese knockoff, and I know they have questionable durability. But cost to get two from eBay is less than $200, vs cost to get one OEM replacement is at minimum over $400.

Another option is restoration, which would be 75-100 to get it done professionally. I restored it myself about 5 years ago, and it's getting to the point where the top is starting to get cloudy. But I've seen some condensation in one of them, which makes me think there might be a leak somewhere.

If the eBay ones are of reasonable quality, then I think it might be worth it on a 13 year old vehicle. However, to replace the lights, the bumper has to come off, so that's another pain.

coolerguy12
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AG
I've done them on a handful of cars. No issues and the price is right.
txyaloo
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AG
I've found the cheapest ones have poor UV coatings and haze in a year or two.

Check rockauto for CAPA certified lights. They're a lot cheaper than OE but are supposed to be a higher quality. I've had decent luck with them vs no-name generics.
malenurse
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AG
traxter said:

Anyone done a replacement headlight from Ebay? I'm pretty sure it's a cheap Chinese knockoff, and I know they have questionable durability. But cost to get two from eBay is less than $200, vs cost to get one OEM replacement is at minimum over $400.

Another option is restoration, which would be 75-100 to get it done professionally. I restored it myself about 5 years ago, and it's getting to the point where the top is starting to get cloudy. But I've seen some condensation in one of them, which makes me think there might be a leak somewhere.

If the eBay ones are of reasonable quality, then I think it might be worth it on a 13 year old vehicle. However, to replace the lights, the bumper has to come off, so that's another pain.



Had to do that with my 2013 Sonata. Actually pretty easy for two competent men.

I got mine from Rock Auto. CAPA certified. Less that $200 each
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But, it's still on the list.
traxter
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txyaloo said:

I've found the cheapest ones have poor UV coatings and haze in a year or two.

Check rockauto for CAPA certified lights. They're a lot cheaper than OE but are supposed to be a higher quality. I've had decent luck with them vs no-name generics.

Yeah, this is what I was afraid of. Would have to be diligent about coating with a UV protectant or use headlight film.

Rock Auto is about $120 each. Although they state they could come from different manufacturers on the site.

malenurse said:

traxter said:

Anyone done a replacement headlight from Ebay? I'm pretty sure it's a cheap Chinese knockoff, and I know they have questionable durability. But cost to get two from eBay is less than $200, vs cost to get one OEM replacement is at minimum over $400.

Another option is restoration, which would be 75-100 to get it done professionally. I restored it myself about 5 years ago, and it's getting to the point where the top is starting to get cloudy. But I've seen some condensation in one of them, which makes me think there might be a leak somewhere.

If the eBay ones are of reasonable quality, then I think it might be worth it on a 13 year old vehicle. However, to replace the lights, the bumper has to come off, so that's another pain.



Had to do that with my 2013 Sonata. Actually pretty easy for two competent men.

I got mine from Rock Auto. CAPA certified. Less that $200 each


Yeah, I actually did it before on the car just to replace the headlight bulb. Took me over two hours. And I don't have access to a jack/stand now, so would be a bit harder. But doable.

I might give it a go. We'll see.
malenurse
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AG
What kind of vehicle? We didn't have to jack up my Hyundai
The last thing I want to do is hurt you. But, it's still on the list.
traxter
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malenurse said:

What kind of vehicle? We didn't have to jack up my Hyundai

Malibu. It's not impossible to do on the ground, but would just require a lot of blindly feeling for the fasteners and screws in very awkward positions.
techno-ag
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AG
Last headlights I bought off Amazon. No issues and cheaper than the parts store.
The left cannot kill the Spirit of Charlie Kirk.
1agswitchin4lanes
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AG
For the aftermarket , I would add a bead of silicone around the bucket and actual lens to make sure there's no moisture getting in.
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