Aftermarket headlights any good?

[zookroo1]

So I've failed in my attempts to clean up and seal my passenger side headlight. It was foggy and full of condensation. I was able to get it decently clear and spent a day getting it dried out. The I tried using silicone to seal the crap out of it to keep moisture out. First time driving it after I put it back on and it was pouring rain. Of course it was full of moisture again...

If I decided to replace it, are the aftermarket replacements as good as the OEM? Any place you would recommend? Here's one on ebay that's $80 shipped. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-CONTOUR-98-00-RIGHT-HEADLIGHT-HEADLAMP-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQfitsZMakeQ3aFordQ7cModelQ3aContourQQhashZitem45fb21c039QQitemZ300566036537QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_2952wt_1167
Would it be a good replacement? The drivers side still looks good, so it would be nice to have 2 good headlights.

Thanks!

 

[mrspindlelegs]

I can't speak for the quality of that Ebay headlight assembly since I've never purchased from them.

There are two aftermarket manufacturers that I am aware of; DEPO and TYC. DEPO headlights have thicker tabs that anchor the assembly to the front of the car vs. TYC. Tab breaking is a known problem on headlights but I think this may be more a function of age than just the tab thickness. TYC headlights have not exhibited any problems with short lifespan of the clear lenses with respect to stress cracking / yellowing. Some DEPO headlights have exhibited short lens lifespans.

You can get TYC headlights from Rock Auto for ~ $103.79 plus S&H. If you go this route, drop by this thread first and go to the end to get the discount code which will give you 5% off.

http://www.contour.org/ceg-vb/showthread.php?35216-Rockauto-discount...

I did buy the TYCs very recently and they look terrific. I don't know how well they function because the car is still in a million pieces. The new headlights will be undergoing projector conversion anyways.

You could try contacting that Ebay seller and asking them what brand those headlights are; maybe they will actually know?

 

[2000SilverSVT]

I puchased a set of Headlights off Ebay nearly 3 years ago and have had no issues. They still look new. Their fit is not as good as factory but unless you look really hard you cannot tell. I don't recall the specific brand or vendor but I believe I posted about them when I bought them.

 

[Sudzy]

FYI BAT sells headlights. In my catalogue they are $60.