Replacement Headlight Assembly 2007 Camry OEM vs. Generic?

[jinkxter]

Hi - I need to replace the right hand side (passenger) headlight cover, which means I would need to replace the assembly.

From what I can tell in the VIN number I don't see a J, I only see these letters

-T-BE--K--U------

Which I assume it's assembled in the U.S.

I see some generic ones on online stores for headlight assembly without bulbs for like $70-$80.

I don't think I need the bulbs since all the lights function.

Need some opinions as I called the following:

a. Toyota dealership wants $848 for parts and labor.
b. Toyota dealership parts says it cost $311
c. Pepboys quoted me $180-$200 to install if I get my own part.


Is getting the generic part from like Amazon fine? Or any other websites that can be recommended.


Thanks

[BlackCam09]

Aftermarket headlights will work just fine, but the projectors in them aren't near the quality of the OEM headlights. You can also find used headlights on ebay. Just buy the headlights and install it yourself, the bumper is fairly easy to remove. I can remove my bumper in 10mins since i've done it so many times. Stay away from the dealer for anything parts, it will usually cost a arm and a leg.

[kitacamry]

Originally Posted by jinkxter

Hi - I need to replace the right hand side (passenger) headlight cover, which means I would need to replace the assembly.

From what I can tell in the VIN number I don't see a J, I only see these letters

-T-BE--K--U------

Which I assume it's assembled in the U.S.

Thanks

YES!...

JT are the opening VIN letters for JAPAN-built Camrys....sooo....make sure that whatever you buy has the appropriate wiring for your US-built car...
I don't know about your specific car/headlights, but the wiring is different (between US and Japan built camrys) in other light assemblies...

[jinkxter]

Thanks for the input.

I went opened the door near the side bar on the door side, I see it says Mftd. by Toyota .. Kentucky Inc.

I guess that confirms this is USA model.

I saw another site that sells genuine toyota parts and it had the assembly without bulbs for $188 shipped.

Amazon has the generic version from TYC for $72 shipped.


I guess I will go for generic aftermarket version and then see if i can install myself or have someone install it as I know the bumper needs to come off and I don't know if I'll be comfortable taking it down.

[jinkxter]

yeah ive been searching for used 07 camry head light but couldn't find it on ebay.

Do you know if 08 and 09 model will work?

Thanks

Originally Posted by BlackCam09

Aftermarket headlights will work just fine, but the projectors in them aren't near the quality of the OEM headlights. You can also find used headlights on ebay. Just buy the headlights and install it yourself, the bumper is fairly easy to remove. I can remove my bumper in 10mins since i've done it so many times. Stay away from the dealer for anything parts, it will usually cost a arm and a leg.

[kitacamry]

Jinkster, I owe you an OOooopsopology here....though you correctly read through my error...(I'll edit and correct it)
I misread the post and this "I don't see a J...." which as you say means your Cam is US made...sorry...

[Zmon]

Originally Posted by jinkxter

Thanks for the input.

I went opened the door near the side bar on the door side, I see it says Mftd. by Toyota .. Kentucky Inc.

I guess that confirms this is USA model.

I saw another site that sells genuine toyota parts and it had the assembly without bulbs for $188 shipped.

Amazon has the generic version from TYC for $72 shipped.


I guess I will go for generic aftermarket version and then see if i can install myself or have someone install it as I know the bumper needs to come off and I don't know if I'll be comfortable taking it down.

Check on eBay for some used OEMs, probably the best choice.

Originally Posted by jinkxter

yeah ive been searching for used 07 camry head light but couldn't find it on ebay.

Do you know if 08 and 09 model will work?

Thanks

07-09 headlights are all compatible. 10-11's won't fit on 07-09s and vice versa.

[jinkxter]

I found a after market on eBay for $58 shipped.

On Amazon the TYCO brand is like $70 shipped.

I guess I may go with Amazon to get some customer service if there is a Issue.

I searched for OEM on ebay but could not locate the right side headlight assembly.

Thanks

[hardtopte72]

The output of aftermarket headlight projectors is bad as stated above. You may have a nice new lens but your light looks like crap.

The only recommended light is a CAPA certified TYC or an OEM. Check out site vendor Gary (Toyopartsman) for his prices. The difference is noticeable. Also check rockauto.com for CAPA certified.

[jinkxter]

Also, need some help in identifying the right part number.

Some sites I emailed told me it would be part number:

"81130-06202"

While other sites where I input the necessary information it says:

"81130-06201"


They both seem the same, Right Side (passenger) headlight assembly.


Just am not 100% sure.

[gdanaher]

The high installation cost is the result of needing to remove the entire front bumper to get to the headlight assembly. I hope the problem is not that it is just cloudy on the outer surface. That can be polished out.

[jinkxter]

No it's the cover cracked and is in pieces unfortunately, lights function fine.

Except I've run into some confusion emailing some sellers to verify, some tell me I need OEM Part "81130-06202" while others "81130-06201", based on google search they seem to be the same just not sure what's the difference between them.

Originally Posted by gdanaher

The high installation cost is the result of needing to remove the entire front bumper to get to the headlight assembly. I hope the problem is not that it is just cloudy on the outer surface. That can be polished out.

[Zmon]

You didn't look too hard... :p

http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-09-TOY...f2a5ab&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-TO...bf9670&vxp=mtr

[JohnGD]

When I entered 81130-06201 on online catalogs out pops 81130-06202. Therefore the -202 number is an updated version of the assembly. Reputable dealers should ship you the newer part.

Do what Hardtop said, either OEM or CAPA certified assemblies. Don't buy any aftermarket lighting assemblies without CAPA or the light output and pattern may be substandard.

Check rockauto.com for prices.

[jinkxter]

Thanks your a better searcher than I for sure:

But those have tabs broken so I guess fitting in it will be a problem.

I did find someone who said they can install it for a fee at my house.

Originally Posted by Zmon

You didn't look too hard... :p

http://www.ebay.com/itm/07-08-09-TOY...f2a5ab&vxp=mtr

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2007-2009-TO...bf9670&vxp=mtr