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BRIGHTER HID lights?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Accessories & Modifications' started by Drakba, Jun 1, 2014.

  1. Drakba

    Drakba Junior Member

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    Hello,

    I am a new owner of a 2008 Prius touring edition. So far, loving this little tech box.

    My one complaint so far, is the lights. While it does come with "HID" lights, they are not bright enough for me.

    Anyone have any advise on a replacement HID system that is brighter, and whiter light?

    I also believe the fogs, or driving lights, (whatever) are not HID. anyone have any advise on replacing them with something much brighter?

    Any advise would be appreciated.

    I am coming from a honda civic that I replaced the stock halogens with HID projectors and 55watt HIDs, and loved the light output (at around 5k).

    Thanks again!

    Paul
     
  2. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    Hello! Welcome to the Prius family. I too have a 2008. The HIDs suck and the fogs are just 9006 halogens. They are for looks and don't really do anything. Someone on the forums installed bixenon projectors in the stock housings. (Google "HIDs to the max- priuschat" ) It's a morimoto kit, about 315.00. Looks amazing. If you want to get more light, without disassembly of the headlight you can buy a hid kit with 55w ballasts. A good place to get them is the retrofit source, xenonpro.com, ect. Stay away from ebay, xentec, ect. With HIDs you get what you pay for..

    Do us all a favor and don't put HIDs in the fogs. It will blind oncoming traffic. Instead leave it as is or just upgrade the halogens to Match the color temp of the new HIDs.
     
  3. WNY-HYBRID

    WNY-HYBRID Member

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    Bi-xenon Morimoto Mini Stage III Kit (H1)

    Either system will work. I want to do the projectors, but I'm more inclined to do the kit below.. The best aftermarket kit you can get, hands down.

    9003/H4: Morimoto Elite HID System - HID Systems from The Retrofit Source Inc


    I'm debating between the 5000k and 6000k. Not sure which one. I'd love to do projectors, but not keen on damaging the factory lights. (Especially at 600 ea). The above kits are the the best you can get, and have nothing but awesome reviews.
     
    #3 WNY-HYBRID, Jun 1, 2014
    Last edited: Jun 1, 2014
  4. Shakti

    Shakti New Member

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    2008 Prius
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    Hello I have no idea how to start a conversation so am hoping a prius regular here will be able to help me -
    I am wanting to purchase in Sydney Australia one of 2 , 2008 itechs for sale, they have 70K and 91K on clock the one with more mileage apparently only used on weekends so infrequently which reading the forums suggests battery (12V) issues...
    the other from a wholesaler that bought it from a benz dealer....traded in - one owner both...obviously the prices a different..
    I had the vin# for the 70K one checked and no recalls but apparently the main toyota mechanic for prius in sydney (via a friend) who checked the vin said it will definately need replacing of the main battery within 2 years and that will be $2000 AUD...how would he know that?
    AND this HID (not sure what that means) lights is that something i should be considering an additional expense, i only test drove in day.
    the regular on line forums all RAVE about these cars but then i come over here and there is a bit of a shit storm -
    I am exhausted from back and forthing between these 2 prius and suv diesel, i really want the eco footprint and the mielage or as we would say kilometre age .

    CAN ANY ONE TELL ME WHO I GET ONE OF THESE CARS INSPECTED BY TO TEST DIAGNOSTICS TYRES ENGINE ETC? THEY BOTH HAVE GOOD LOG BOOKS FOR SERVICE -

    note the 70k one has mandatory 3month warranty as it's dealer other has none both out of factory warranty as older than 3 years is the way i understand it, and don't understand if the battery is under warranty anyway?

    I am so exhausted can someone please give me a yes or no or direction?

    I am happy to call anyone in australia or on skype overseas... i need the car for 200km round trips a few times a week to sydney and city driving and some interstate trips - i am borrowing all cash to buy this car, last car honda crv i love it but fuel is outrageous now

    THanks so very much - Shakti
     
  5. Britprius

    Britprius Senior Member

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    Do not believe the story about the "main" battery needing replacement. There is no definitive life span for these batteries.
    I have a 2008 at 110,000 miles and still going strong. In the UK the guarantee on the hybrid system including the battery is 8years or 100,000 miles. If you have the car serviced at Toyota after the expiry of the guarantee they do a free check on the hybrid system then extend the guarantee for a further 1 year or 10,000 miles. This can be done as many times as you wish with no restriction on total millage till the car is 10 years old.
    Toyota would not do this if they thought the batteries were not going to last. In the US in some states the battery come with a 10 year 150,000 mile guarantee. Extreme heat without sensible precautions is perhaps the biggest enemy.
    Check the hybrid guarantee in Australia.
    The 12 volt battery is not really problematic. The thing is it is not used in the normal sense to start the car "it is not used to power the starter as there isn't one as such". So when it is getting past it's best you do not hear the slow grinding cranking of the engine as a warning on it's condition.
    The Prius has no alternator, and no cam belt. The only belt it has drives the coolant pump, and this is usually good for 100,000 miles. The spark plugs are first changed at 120,000 miles, the brake pads often last up to 250,000 miles in dryer climates, in wet climates or where salt is used on winter roads rusty discs tend to limit the life to more like 100,000 miles.
    HID lights "high intensity discharge" are fitted to some model Prius in some countries "not all". These are brighter than the standard halogen lights, but can be problematic. Replacement HID bulbs and ballasts are not cheap.

    John (Britprius)
     
    #5 Britprius, Sep 15, 2014
    Last edited: Sep 15, 2014
    Data Daedalus likes this.
  6. Justdidit

    Justdidit LVNPZEV

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