I just purchased a 2009 Prius (Base Model) with 65k miles for 10k and I am loving every bit of it. My first trip was from Michigan to DC and I could not believe the MPG I was getting; mind you my previous daily driver was a 2004 4Runner . My average (self calculated) MPG was 49.8 MPG. I am not going to lie, but the first time I filled it up after 460 miles I couldn't help but smile. My first gas expense with the vehicle came to just over $19.00, I couldn't believe it! I can honestly say, I am a Prius for life . Already swaped the radio with JVC KW-V21BT, added SiriusXM, and in the process of swapping all interior lighting with LEDs. The only thing I really miss from my old vehicles, is the HID lighting. It is really hard to settle for halogens after driving with HIDs. By the looks of it, it sounds like I would have to completely retrofit my headlights if I want to have HID visibility, is this correct? Is it possible to swap halogen headlights with the HID headlight models? I know some auto makers keep the ballast inside the headlight housing? I would really hate to retrofit my headlight, did it once and it was just too much work... not hard but a lot of work nonetheless. I don't think I want to throw HIDs in them without projector lens in them but the halogen performance is really killing me. Any other hints or advice would be greatly appreciated, I've done a ton of search already and found some really neat tricks in this forum, "Beep Off" for one was an awesome find. -Vinnie
Hi Vinnie, welcome to PC. You can fit the HID headlamps, but they are still reflector type. Many in the US fit projectors in the halogen headlamps. There is plenty of information here for doing just that. The OEM HID's are problematic with expensive bulbs, and ballasts. If you intend doing as much service work as possible yourself buy a Mini VCI with Techstream software "about $30 from Ebay + an old laptop". This is the same setup that the dealer uses for fault code reading, and setting custom functions as well as service tasks like bleeding brakes. One trip to the dealer to read codes will pay for this 3X over. John (Britprius)
Thanks John, I will definitely look into the Mini VCI, I am a very hands on kind of guy and always like to know what is going on. I think I will do the retrofit. Today on the way back from work I just couldn't handle the poor performance (and look) of the halogens. It is really true that once you go with HIDs, it is very hard to deal with halogens. I've done retrofits before so I have "some" experience with the process already. I just need to find some extra headlight housings so I can retrofit them, I can't afford to do the ones on the car now. It's my only mode of transportation at the moment and I don't want to rush the job. We will see, I will definitely post the process here.
There was a post a few weeks ago here that was converting in the other direction "going to halogen" I will see if I can find it and post a link. You may be able to arrange an exchange or purchase of the complete units via the private message system.here on PC. In the UK I have fitted HID's in the halogen housing with good results. A number of US members have also done this. John (Britprius)
Below is a link to someone changing headlamps from HID to halogen. Messaging them may get the results you wish. Replacing HID Headlight Assemblies with Halogen? Has anyone successfully done this John (Britprius)
Wow Britprius, thanks for the link. It was very painful to read that thread. I would never considered going from HIDs to halogen, no way. What amazed me was how misinformed people are when it comes to 1. HIDs and 2. retrofitng. I can get a complete reliable HID system from the retrofitsource (top HID store IMO) for just under $300. Granted, the job could be a bit tedious, but not hard/difficult at all, really. My system on my other vehicles have been working without any issues for over a year now. I think the key is to get a pare set of headlights and retrofit them progressively, this way you can take your time with them. Also, HIDs do not blind when retrofitted, I actually do not encourage HID bulbs in halogen housing at all. Personally, I think is a d$%^ move. When done right, with projector lens, the cut offs plus corrected aiming will not affect upcoming traffic. Anyways, thanks for the read, and I will definitely post my work once I start. I wish I was around then so maybe I could have pointed that couple to the right direction.
