Best non-OEM replacement headlight?

Looking for a quality aftermarket substitute for the OEM headlight (as most of you know, they're nearly $500 CAD a side!). Not interested in the HID or any of the other flashy head light options, just a simple replicate of the OEM assembly.

I am having trouble finding reviews on the DEPO or TYC models. Any input is much appreciated. There are also a few options on eBay from am-autoparts that don't specify the manufacturer, but they're damn cheap:

(http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Headlights-H...ash=item565cffae01:g:Jy8AAOSwQgpW~vJY&vxp=mtr).

Another here from Rambowtech:

(http://www.ebay.ca/itm/09-11-Toyota...ash=item3f39efcb66:g:IQsAAOSwKPNTzVQi&vxp=mtr)

Any advise? Anyone try either of these cheap ones or have a recommendation?

(Ps: the headlight assembly is for a 2009 TRD Sport)

 

Don't know about the headlights, but everything I have bought from am-autoparts has been of good quality.

 

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For optimum quality in a non-OEM product, look at CAPA certified housings. The will be much higher quality than most aftermarket housings and have actually been tested to meet OEM performance in terms of optics and quality. They will cost more than many aftermarket parts but be a substantial savings over OEM.

 

I was very happy with TYC headlights, purchased from Amazon, in my 1st Gen. They were identical (in every way I could observe/measure) to OEM and, IIRC, CAPA-certified as well.

 

I hear good things about the Depo lights, but you have to run a bead of silicone sealant to make sure they don't fog up.

 

Depo

 

I went with Spyder headlights on my 2011 TRD Off-Road double cab, i really like them, just in case you're looking for another brand.

http://www.carid.com/2011-toyota-tacoma-headlights/spyder-projector-headlights-54137386.html

 

Are your current stock headlights damaged?

 

TYC makes really good OE headlight and tail light housings that are damn near the same as any OEM assembly. I have bought TYC housings for several vehicles and never had a complaint.

 

Thanks for the advise. I will definitely keep an eye out for the CAPA certification.

 

Yes, they are damaged. I have a 2009 with the stock head light assembly and always used the Sylvania lamps right from the dealer. Unfortunately this particular year has a defective assembly and the day-time running light burns the lens. In Canada, there was an extended warranty up to 130,000km I believe, but this didn't really hit until about 160k so I was SOL. I called Toyota Canada just for fun and of course, they didn't offer anything. For a long time, it was just a noticeable brown scar on the orange part of the assembly in front of the running light. But now, it's at the point where the plastic has actually melted away and started to crack. I am concerned it will be an issue when I go to re-safety in March.

 

I did spyders in mine as well... got them from carid.

I had problems with a cheap brand from protuninglab (DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM..THEY MESSED THE ORDER UP..AND THEIR LIGHTS FOGGED UP AND FILLED WITH WATER IN A YEAR).

So I got my spyders... I get minor fogging after a carwash recently.. but I've also had them for about 3.5 years now.. so some silicone in the future to fix this...

All in all.. I'm happy with them

 

Really appreciate the input, but I'm really not into the flashy stuff - specifically projectors. Looking for a replicate of the OEM standard head light assembly.

 

To each his own :/

 

I installed depo lights last night on my 07. The fit and finish seemed just as good as the oem lights. With that said, I did spend a little extra for the capa certified version. Hopefully it pays off

 

I bought these for my 07 and they are identical to the TRD black outs without the Toyota box and QC sticker
WE compared them at the Toyota parts counter,perfect match

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191178032363

 

if you do not have a switch to turn off the day time running lights, they can be turned off via the OBD port. just ask dealer to do it. i killed mine like within the first 6 months after i bought it because honestly i thought they were annoying, but glad i did because later i learned alot of people started having melting problems. when i put the 2012 front on my 2006, i just flat did not hook up the DRL's

 

Much appreciated input. I don't see the CAPA certification however, so I will PM the seller.

 

It's a good idea, but I was under the impression these running lights are a legal requirement of the MOT. I am replacing my headlights now so I can be assured to pass my safety inspection in March. I have a feeling the melted lenses are going to give me some trouble.