It's generally assumed that aftermarket parts don't always fit as well as OEM, but from a pricing perspective aftermarket seems to be the best bang for the buck:

new OEM headlight - $400+
used or reconditioned OEM headlight - $300+
aftermarket headlight - $200+

Anyone have aftermarket Type-S headlights that can confirm they don't fit well? Or are there better deals out there for OEM?

 

i dunno much about fitment but i can say for certain that the aftermarket projectors will not even be close to an oem TL projector. for most people thats not a big deal but for a headlight enthusiast like me, its a big deal.

 

Good point...that probably explains the huge difference in price

 

Yeah, they are right. projector lense not so great on aftermarket. i bought a tl with depo passenger side already on and it doesn't shine 50% as good as the stock drivers side... changed it out quik like....

 

+1

Also, I went through 2 depo headlights after my car accident. They kept having condensation problems. After going to the shop where I got it repaired 2-3 times, they spoke to my insurance and they ended up giving me OEM. No more problems

 

Even though it is cheaper, your not going to have that great of quality with them. The biggest portion they lack on is the projectors. The stock TL Bi-Xenon's are AMAZING and one of the best projectors that people can buy, along with the TSX, S2000, Lexus LS, etc.

Then another lacking quality is the seal on the edge of the lights and as well where the bulbs attach. Many aftermarket lights have larger openings and such for more tolerances and because of this the bulbs you use sometimes won't seal properly and allow moisture in.

 

Coloring if off a bit too because they cheap out on materials. I can notice a DEPO Tail light from a mile away. I have seen DEPO headlights and they look good, but for $100 more a headlights I would defiantly go OEM. Think of the retail of it too once you want to sell them. OEM will sell faster and hold more of its value.

 

Thanks for all the great feedback. So it seems there are no pros (other than initial cost) and multiple cons with going aftermarket:

- poor seals around edges and bulb sockets leading to condensation
- bad fit resulting in gaps and uneven surfaces with body panels
- lower quality projectors and reflector coloring
- poor resale

Will check the BM and Fleabay for new/used OEM's then, but feel free to PM me if you have one to sell

 

You could also use a CDM original headlight kind of hard to find but there really nice. They have the clear corner like the type S and also have fogs in the headlight. One nice twist is that the fog and headlight adjust independently and also they adjust from side to side.

 

Yeah, I considered the CDM version but like u said they're rare and cost an arm and a leg Since I have TL-S fogs at the bottom I'd prefer having DRL's at the top for that "newish" car look