Difference in aftermarket headlights?
Unregistered
Posts: n/a
Difference in aftermarket headlights?
I'm about to replace a few damaged pieces of the front of my 2000 Accord and I'm trying to figure out which headlight to buy.
There seem to be many vendors of these, with a price range from ~$40 to ~$150. The dealer quoted me $216 for the factory light.
Beyond simply guessing that the $40 light isn't going to amount to much, I can't tell the difference without seeing them. Anyone know anything about the aftermarket brands and their relative quality?
Ten years or so ago I ordered an aftermarket light for a different Accord, and while it fit and worked and everything, it was clearly different in look and feel from the original. I wasn't complaining, because the car was on its last legs, but this one I'd like to look alright.
Any advice other than simply to replace both?
Thanks!
There seem to be many vendors of these, with a price range from ~$40 to ~$150. The dealer quoted me $216 for the factory light.
Beyond simply guessing that the $40 light isn't going to amount to much, I can't tell the difference without seeing them. Anyone know anything about the aftermarket brands and their relative quality?
Ten years or so ago I ordered an aftermarket light for a different Accord, and while it fit and worked and everything, it was clearly different in look and feel from the original. I wasn't complaining, because the car was on its last legs, but this one I'd like to look alright.
Any advice other than simply to replace both?
Thanks!
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,725
From: Alaska
The cheaper "ebay brand" ones if you will usually are not as good of quality. They often aren't sealed correctly so they fill with water and fog up. Also the light output usually is not the same as factory. Granted the OEM ones are very expensive from the dealer.
What I would try to do if I were you is find a set used on a site such as ebay or possibly craiglist or even a local junkyard. I would think they could be had for $100 or less used.
What I would try to do if I were you is find a set used on a site such as ebay or possibly craiglist or even a local junkyard. I would think they could be had for $100 or less used.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 413
From: Chino Hills, CA 91709
from my experience....
I own a 1996 Accord, and I just replaced the headlights last month. While mine were not damaged, I replaced them because they were oxidizing and turning yellow.
I replaced them with some jdm style black housed headlights.....I got them off eBay for about $100 including shipping.
When I installed them I had no problems whatsoever. Everything fit perfectly. The first night I drove with them I was shocked at how much brighter they were. The main reason for this though is that my old ones were yellowing and the plastic was no longer clear. But one thing with the new ones I noticed is that the lights are more concentrated out front, but they also spread more light to the side.
Overall I was very impressed with my lights, and I'm glad I spent extra and got some good ones.
Hope this helps
I replaced them with some jdm style black housed headlights.....I got them off eBay for about $100 including shipping.
When I installed them I had no problems whatsoever. Everything fit perfectly. The first night I drove with them I was shocked at how much brighter they were. The main reason for this though is that my old ones were yellowing and the plastic was no longer clear. But one thing with the new ones I noticed is that the lights are more concentrated out front, but they also spread more light to the side.
Overall I was very impressed with my lights, and I'm glad I spent extra and got some good ones.
Hope this helps
Unregistered
Posts: n/a
It does help. Thanks. I saw those someplace and they were a good price.
I've called every large junkyard I know in Eastern and Central Massachusetts and there aren't any to be had. This makes sense because a) the often break in wrecks, limiting supply, and b) they often break in wrecks, increasing demand.
I'll have to see what I find on eBay. Thanks for the suggestions.
I've called every large junkyard I know in Eastern and Central Massachusetts and there aren't any to be had. This makes sense because a) the often break in wrecks, limiting supply, and b) they often break in wrecks, increasing demand.
I'll have to see what I find on eBay. Thanks for the suggestions.
Dang Those Were Cheap
I own a 1996 Accord, and I just replaced the headlights last month. While mine were not damaged, I replaced them because they were oxidizing and turning yellow.
I replaced them with some jdm style black housed headlights.....I got them off eBay for about $100 including shipping.
When I installed them I had no problems whatsoever. Everything fit perfectly. The first night I drove with them I was shocked at how much brighter they were. The main reason for this though is that my old ones were yellowing and the plastic was no longer clear. But one thing with the new ones I noticed is that the lights are more concentrated out front, but they also spread more light to the side.
Overall I was very impressed with my lights, and I'm glad I spent extra and got some good ones.
Hope this helps
I replaced them with some jdm style black housed headlights.....I got them off eBay for about $100 including shipping.
When I installed them I had no problems whatsoever. Everything fit perfectly. The first night I drove with them I was shocked at how much brighter they were. The main reason for this though is that my old ones were yellowing and the plastic was no longer clear. But one thing with the new ones I noticed is that the lights are more concentrated out front, but they also spread more light to the side.
Overall I was very impressed with my lights, and I'm glad I spent extra and got some good ones.
Hope this helps
Sometimes you can get a great deal on e-bay..usual cost of these on selling site...no less than $100.00 a piece + Shipping.
Super Moderator
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 8,725
From: Alaska
It does help. Thanks. I saw those someplace and they were a good price.
I've called every large junkyard I know in Eastern and Central Massachusetts and there aren't any to be had. This makes sense because a) the often break in wrecks, limiting supply, and b) they often break in wrecks, increasing demand.
I'll have to see what I find on eBay. Thanks for the suggestions.
I've called every large junkyard I know in Eastern and Central Massachusetts and there aren't any to be had. This makes sense because a) the often break in wrecks, limiting supply, and b) they often break in wrecks, increasing demand.
I'll have to see what I find on eBay. Thanks for the suggestions.
Been Around A Long Time Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 7,381
From: St. Paul, MN
I personally would opt for a factory light.
Yes, eBay lights (DEPO, ANZO, etc.) may appear brighter because the previous lights were pitted and reflecting enough light. OEM lights do have a more uniform beam with less hot spotting.
Which side do you need? I have both headlights from my 95, but one of the lenses is deformed. I could sell it dirt cheap too.
Yes, eBay lights (DEPO, ANZO, etc.) may appear brighter because the previous lights were pitted and reflecting enough light. OEM lights do have a more uniform beam with less hot spotting.
Which side do you need? I have both headlights from my 95, but one of the lenses is deformed. I could sell it dirt cheap too.
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 8
From: United States
Difference in aftermarket headlights
Hey guys i just got my car converted to manual, and currently i dont have a BMW gearknob, but i do have an aftermarket one. Does anyone know where i can buy an adaptor for the aftermarket gearknob? Or does anyone have a cheap bmw one ? thanks