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I'm curious as to whether the DEPO "chrome" headlights for a Gen 3 (92-94) improve visibility at all over the stock headlamps? And if so, how much? Is it worth spending around $150 for them? I rear-ended someone two winters ago and my driver side bracket cracked and it doesn't aim at all, it just rests on the fender which sucks, so that's why I'm wondering if I should save money and just order the driver side stock headlamp or spend the extra money and get the DEPE headlights? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks again
It's best for looks. If it's more light your after, you can easily mod high beam bulbs for the low beam sockets (and it does not blind other drivers.) There is a DIY in the FAQ's in the Camry Forum.
You can get a used headlight at a local junkyard a LOT cheaper then $150 if that is your concern too. www.car-part.com is a good source for that. Or the usual, Ebay. I hope this helps a little.
Adam
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I recently ordered a set of aftermarket replacement OEM-style headlights through eBay for my Camry and installed them. Since they were the OEM style and not the clears, they were only about $40 each ($80 per set), which may be something to consider if price is an issue. WHAT a difference in both looks and lighting. My problem was different than yours (mine were yellowed), but either way I think you'll be happy with the result, clear or OEM-style.
For what it's worth, the vendor I bought my lights from sent me a left-hand light from one company (TYC?) and a right-hand light from another (DEPO, the same people who make the clears). While both were good lights and work well, the DEPO light was closer to OEM quality in terms of build, fit and finish, and packaging. I was impressed with what DEPO delivered.
Good luck with your purchase, which ever way you choose!
If you compare a new OEM headlight vs. a new clear headlight, there will be no difference in output. Your bulbs are putting out whatever light they can and that's that. I didn't even feel that there was much of a difference in light dispersion either. Both had the same hotspot issue where you get two big blobs of light on the road instead of an even light distribution.
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If you compare a new OEM headlight vs. a new clear headlight, there will be no difference in output. Your bulbs are putting out whatever light they can and that's that. I didn't even feel that there was much of a difference in light dispersion either. Both had the same hotspot issue where you get two big blobs of light on the road instead of an even light distribution.
My concern would be less about total output-- assuming as you suggest that the same bulb will put out the same candlepower of light-- and more about proper dispersion. The clears are a departure from "standard" OEM style, so it's a concern about how well the rear facet design is done to ensure good light on the road. It's good to hear positive feedback on the clears.
My other vehicle is an f150, and tons of guys on the forum over there have bought depo headlights and tailights on eBay and absolutely rave about them.
__________________ 2007 Camry XLE V6 - Black / Bisque - Heated Seats, Smart Key, Stability Control
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yeah they yellowed up really quick... I mean if youre going to get headlights, why not spend a little bit more... depo is very good quality and they just make the car look so much newer
yeah they yellowed up really quick... I mean if youre going to get headlights, why not spend a little bit more... depo is very good quality and they just make the car look so much newer
Well, see, in my case it's not even an issue of spending more money... I bought two lights, one is from DEPO, one is from TYC, they are both OEM-style, and they both cost me the same. The TYC didn't fit right (alignment with the corner light is off) and the screw for the grill is the wrong type. Other side of the car, the DEPO light fits perfectly and the screw is right. I'll be calling the vendor back and asking for an exchange for a DEPO unit or I'll just return it and look for a DEPO from somewhere else.
Bottom line, back to the original poster's question, is that DEPO seems to make a good product. And to your point dysk8, if you're going to spend the money, spend it wisely.
Well, see, in my case it's not even an issue of spending more money... I bought two lights, one is from DEPO, one is from TYC, they are both OEM-style, and they both cost me the same. The TYC didn't fit right (alignment with the corner light is off) and the screw for the grill is the wrong type. Other side of the car, the DEPO light fits perfectly and the screw is right. I'll be calling the vendor back and asking for an exchange for a DEPO unit or I'll just return it and look for a DEPO from somewhere else.
Bottom line, back to the original poster's question, is that DEPO seems to make a good product. And to your point dysk8, if you're going to spend the money, spend it wisely.
Cool coincidence, I just ordered a pair of DEPO Camry 00 headlights. Nice to know their quality is so well recieved.
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I hope this helps a little.
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