Looking for suggestions to replace OEM headlights on 2006.

Over the last few years, they are yellowed and foggy and I've tried numerous times using every product known to clear them but it doesn't last long. I just want to replace them now. I have perused lots of companies like Car Parts, CARID, etc. Naturally I want CAPA certified also. I see them for about $119 and upwards. Would like the best deal from those who have replaced their headlights.

 

I've been very happy with this set so far. Been 2 years and no issues: https://www.ebay.com/itm/172500107268

 

I checked them out for chrome but they say factory but not OEM and CAPA certified as other companies state.

 

I have a similar set as Cardinalsfan and its been 2 years for me. No real problems. The clear protective coating is starting to flake off on the top edge and I just started to get a little condensation issues. But nothing terrible.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/362046633248?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I saw these in chrome:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/124639191178
It does state: Made By OEM Approved & ISO Certified Manufacturers With Materials That Meets OEM Requirements

 

Based on 35+ years in manufacturing, I can tell you that statement means exactly nothing. I can pretty much guarantee you that for that price, they're junk. In lighting - like so many other things - you get exactly what you pay for.

I'll also go one step further. The best aftermarket headlights are CAPA Certified. That should meant they're good, right? No, it just means they're good enough for your insurance company to say they're good enough for you. And we know your insurance company stays up late nights worry about you - not. From my experience, they're just better junk when compared to OEM.

 

So what manufacturer would you recommend for chrome OEM headlight replacement?

 

OP. I have the same situation.

All the research I've done has led me to this conclusion. All the aftermarket headlights are prone to moisture in the headlight in less than 12 months. Warranty claims or returns are difficult.

I'm on a path to try the Sylvania Headlight restore kit and save my $$ for a set of OEM from Toyota. Cost of the pair will be pushing $500. On the other hand the current OEM set has been on the truck for 15 years. That sure beats 12 months..........and repeat.

 

Just buy the one from Toyota all original with black tint on it

 

You can only get OEM Toyota headlights from Toyota.

 

Go OEM I know they cost more but do not make the mistake I made.
Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by CROM123, May 14, 2020.

 

Buy oem sports if you’re looking for the tinted look . Buy once cry once. If you search you can find a set for anywhere from $600-700

 

Shop around, I got Toyota factory headlights from a dealer on the east coast, shipped to the west coast for about $350.
Why waste your money? I found my post below.

"I just bought Toyota OE headlights for my 2006, online from Conicelli Toyota of Springfield, PA. With their free shipping over $70 the pair were $343.20 shipped PA to CA. Shipped in 2 boxes with factory fit padding in each box. Can't say enough good things about the process. Ordering is online only.

parts@ctoscars.com"

 

OP I posted this in another thread on this subject. Here is what I posted -
Can’t help you as far as new headlights but I can tell you the secrete to making headlights stay crystal clear after restoring them is to put a coat of Headlight UV protectant and sealant on them. When the headlights get hazy and oxidized the UV protectant properties in the plastic have deteriorated. When you refurbish them what little is left is destroyed. There is nothing left to protect them from UV’s and other environmental contaminants, so they get hazy again quickly. Using a protectant will keep them clear for a long long time. I’ve done my lights twice. The last time was a couple years ago and they still look great. I spray protectant on twice a year, easy peasy. My truck is outside 24/7 so no protection from the elements at all. I use Meguiar’s but there are several on the market. Here’s what I use. Also here is a pic of one of my headlights on my 12 year old truck. I polished the lights a little over2 years ago and apply the Meguires twice a year. I originally did the lights around 5 years ago and did them a second time about 2 1/2 years. They really looked good 2 1/2 years ago but I polished them anyway just to make them look even better. The pic of the headlight was taken a few months ago. Looks just as good today.

 

OEM Part # for the tinted version.

81110-04210 - RH

$350 81150-04210 Toyota Genuine Parts - Headlamp Assy, Lh (81150-04210)

81150-04210 - LH

I found a pair from a dealership on ebay for under $500.

 

UV protectant is key to long life on an OEM headlight.

 

So what is it about these lights that could lead to the fogging up, and what about the OEM units would be any different? All of these aftermarket units have a breather of some sort; maybe some are similar to OEM while others are not, and are less effective? The units that I've looked at so far do vary in what that breather looks like. The units at Headlights Depot have breathers that look a lot like those on OEM.

 

The devil is in the details - both design and manufacturing. Aftermarket suppliers just don't have the expertise and in many cases, don't care since they're only after the price sensitive shoppers. OEM's have reputations - and warranties - to worry about.

 

Replaced mine 2 years ago and ended going with OEM, although they're definitely not cheap! I considered going aftermarket, but just seemed to read so many mixed reviews that I wasn't really willing to roll the dice with headlights. With these I've been keeping up with waxing/sealing them to help mitigate UV damage & oxidation and hopefully they'll serve me well for years to come.

Side note, at that same time I also replaced my fog lights, but instead went with aftermarket (Dorman). OEM price for those was silly expensive, so figured I'd take a gamble on the aftermarket ones and if they started having issues early on I'd just send them back under warranty. They came with a nice glob of sealant running around the circumference of the lens-to-housing interface, so hopefully fog/moisture won't be an issue like so many seem to gripe about with aftermarket light assemblies. So far they're doing great, so...

 

Thats exactly what I used....but I cannot seem to get the headlights clear with using the headlights kits they sell to remove oxidation. I used the liquid contained in the kits and buffed with my electric drill for 15 minutes each also using sandpaper that came with the kit but still not looking good. Yours look very good. What product did you use and what was the technique?

 

I used Meguiars Heavy Duty Restoration Kit. I just followed the instructions.