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Replacing 2015 Prius v tail light

Discussion in 'Prius v Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by RRude, Dec 18, 2015.

  1. RRude

    RRude New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 18, 2015
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    Location:
    Maryland, DC Metro area
    Vehicle:
    2015 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    My 2015 Prius v was hit by a neglected cart in the parking lot a few days ago while I was inside the store. The driver's side tail light cover (clear plastic part) was smashed and now there's a 3" x 3" hole in it. I thought it would be an easy fix, costing around $30-$50. It turns out that the entire unit needs to be swapped out.

    One mechanic said he can't even get this part for a Prius (almost every other car, yes). Another mechanic thinks he can get one, but says he'll have to get it from Toyota. I took the car to the dealership, and they're quoting me a price of approximately $415 for the part itself.

    Is that really the best price I can get? I've never purchased parts on my own before, because typically a non-dealer mechanic can get the part much cheaper than the dealer. I tried a quick Google search and the results were unclear - almost as if it were possible for earlier models, but not for a car this new. I decided to ask here before confusing myself or ordering the wrong thing.

    Any guidance at all would be appreciated.
     
    #1 RRude, Dec 18, 2015
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2014
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    Location:
    Top RH Corner of RH Coast on L side of The Pond
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    I had a similar incident with my previous Toyota (1993 Corolla DX Wagon) and I found a replacement light unit (whole assembly, including wiring harness & bulbs & shipping) on eBay for < $100 (this was a while ago, so YMMV) - Good luck!
     
    #2 WilDavis, Dec 18, 2015
  3. dorunron

    dorunron Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 17, 2011
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    Location:
    Houston, TX
    Vehicle:
    2013 Prius
    Model:
    Three
    #3 dorunron, Dec 18, 2015
    WilDavis likes this.
  4. Offline

    Offline Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2012
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    Location:
    Lenexa, Kansas
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Five
    I assume your non-dealer mechanic is using aftermarket parts when possible instead of OEM. The independent repair shop owners I've know have bought parts from franchised auto dealers at modest surcharge over what the dealer pays.
     
    #4 Offline, Dec 19, 2015
  5. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 7, 2013
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    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    What about an aftermarket Chinese LED conversion unit? You'd want a pair, but might still be cheaper than the dealership price. Otherwise you're off to the junkyard for a nationwide search.
     
    #5 rdgrimes, Dec 19, 2015
  6. Bill the Engineer

    Bill the Engineer Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 6, 2013
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    Location:
    At the beach in Delaware...
    Vehicle:
    2010 Prius
    Model:
    IV
    E-pay...
    You can find them salvaged from wrecked cars there and save some cash.
    Not that hard to access to change it out.
    [​IMG]


    Bill the Engineer
     
    #6 Bill the Engineer, Dec 31, 2015
  7. Kevin Rendon

    Kevin Rendon Junior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2018
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    Location:
    los angeles
    Vehicle:
    2012 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    i am having the same problem! is a knockoff just as good as an original?

    I'm. thinking a salvage yard now..
     
    #7 Kevin Rendon, Oct 22, 2018
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