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2013 Prius Persona driver side tail light

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by stephensprius, Feb 28, 2014.

  1. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    Well, the title says it all... (attached is a pic)
    My wife accidentally backed into a large snow bank that was basically covered in a hard ice... YAY Minnesota Winters!
    I took to Rudy Luther Toyota in Golden Valley- where it gets serviced. The guy quoted me $440 dollars!!!!???? I just laughed at him. There must be a cheaper alternative, right? right guys??? I hope. Please let me know. Appreciate the help.

    p.s. light still is functional as-is. this is more of a cosmetic issue.
     

    Attached Files:

    #1 stephensprius, Feb 28, 2014
  2. jhinsc

    jhinsc Senior Member

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    Are you handy enough to replace yourself if you had the part? Try Ebay.
     
    #2 jhinsc, Feb 28, 2014
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  3. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    unfortunately, no. i still thought it would be cheaper to buy the part and have someone else replace it. then buying it new from toyota.
     
    #3 stephensprius, Feb 28, 2014
  4. hybridbear

    hybridbear Member

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    I would also recommend buying a used lens from eBay and replacing it yourself. Otherwise, I live in Minneapolis and I'd swap it out for you for a few bucks. Are the instructions for changing it posted anywhere online? A quick search didn't reveal them.

    One thing I've learned from past experience, wait until it's at least 40F before doing such a swap. Most taillights have lots of thin plastic pieces that break easily in the cold temps.
     
    #4 hybridbear, Feb 28, 2014
  5. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    hybridbear: are you a mechanic?
     
    #5 stephensprius, Feb 28, 2014
  6. hybridbear

    hybridbear Member

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    No, just a DIY-er. I do my own oil changes and air filter replacements, and have changed tranny fluid, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, coolant and more. Experience has taught me that MN winters are not a good time to replace light bulbs or any other maintenance with small plastic parts because the plastic is so brittle in the cold.
     
    #6 hybridbear, Feb 28, 2014
  7. BrianPB

    BrianPB Member

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    Here is a link to a youtube video on how to replace it yourself if you choose to...
     
    #7 BrianPB, Feb 28, 2014
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  8. matt b.

    matt b. Member

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    take it to your dealer let them worry about it pay the $400 don't be such a cheapskate :) jk..good luck
     
    #8 matt b., Feb 28, 2014
  9. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    $400 for a light, yikes. To keep the peace with him and his wife (alleged perp of this heinous crime), he should DIY. This shouldn't be that difficult, but make sure you buy OEM parts if you get used. Don't get caught with a non OEM, it may not fit properly and worse, it won't match with the right side.
     
    #9 JC91006, Feb 28, 2014
  10. retired4999

    retired4999 Prius driver since 2005

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    Thanks BrianBP,
    Nice video! Easy fix! (y)
     
    #10 retired4999, Feb 28, 2014
  11. BrianPB

    BrianPB Member

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    You're welcome! ;)
     
    #11 BrianPB, Mar 9, 2014
  12. mediahound

    mediahound Active Member

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    You have to weigh how much you might save sourcing the part yourself and then having an independent shop install it versus just going to the dealership. Unless you can save more than about $200., it may just be worth it to bite the bullet and have the dealership do it.

    Or if you have a low deductible on your auto insurance (like $250.), it may be worth filing a claim, although probably not.
     
    #12 mediahound, Mar 9, 2014
  13. uropip

    uropip Member

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    If ur dealer has abodyshop see them. Their labor rate is typically less than half of the service department. And they usually charge list price for the part where as service departments typically charge a "matrixed" retail price which is higher than list.

    Galaxy Note 10.1 ? Pro
     
    #13 uropip, Mar 12, 2014
  14. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Sooo, did YA get her all fixed? I see we have three of us in the Twin Cities. Cool :)

    Mike
     
    #14 WE0H, Mar 17, 2014
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  15. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    I am taking it into Boulevard Collission in Golden Valley tomorrow to get estimate.
     
    #15 stephensprius, May 21, 2014
  16. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    Just had it fixed last Friday. For those in Minnesota, Boulevard Collission in Golden Valley did a great job. Got the part quickly. Only charge $52 hour for labor compared to $120 hour at Rudy Luther Toyota- what a SHAM!
    ANyways, not real happy, but the taillight was 242 bucks! The guy at the shop told me if it had LED lights like Audi or BMW it could've been 1000 or more. The light looks great. Happy to have it working again.
     
    #16 stephensprius, Jun 2, 2014
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  17. WE0H

    WE0H Senior Member

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    Did you tell him the Prius uses LED tail lights ;) How's life with the CRV going?

    Mike
     
    #17 WE0H, Jun 2, 2014
  18. stephensprius

    stephensprius Active Member

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    I like the crv a lot. Very spacious. we have been averaging around 26 mpg. Just stinks going from two Prii to now only one. I hate going to the gas station, even if it is Costco.
     
    #18 stephensprius, Jun 2, 2014
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