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

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    39
    3
    0
    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    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

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
    8,140
    3,274
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    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

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    39
    3
    0
    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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

    Joined:
    Feb 7, 2006
    1,416
    398
    0
    Location:
    Chicago, IL
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    II
    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

    Joined:
    Feb 20, 2013
    461
    300
    0
    Location:
    Tampa, Florida
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    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

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    39
    3
    0
    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2012
    8,140
    3,274
    0
    Location:
    Honolulu, HI
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    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

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2014
    23
    3
    0
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    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

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2012
    39
    3
    0
    Location:
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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

    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2013
    16,748
    8,554
    0
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    II
    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

    Joined:
    Mar 5, 2014
    23
    3
    0
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    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

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2014
    10
    2
    0
    Location:
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    2011 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    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
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)