It’s no secret that headlights today are elaborate and offer a lot to the aesthetics of a car, but what about the cost of replacing them?
The latest headlights have been deeply incorporated into a car’s exterior design. This means you can be seen styling down the road both during the day and night– but this comes at a high cost. Today’s headlights consist of HID and LED bulbs. And although they last longer, if you have an accident or other problem, you’ll be paying a high price to replace them. Leaving out the Rolls-Royces and Bentley Bentaygas of the world, here are five cars, that can be found in just about any garage in the country, that have pricey headlight replacement costs.
Ford Fusion
You wouldn’t think of this all-American mainstay as high end when it comes to headlights, but they are. These stylish eye shaped headlights come at a price. A headlight assembly can cost up to $2,000 to replace. They’re halogen, so if you just want to replace a bulb, you won’t be nicked so badly. Still, a bulb will run you anywhere between $79-94, not including labor. If your goal is a conversion to LED headlights, be prepared to dig deeper into your wallet. Unfortunately, that’s just the truth!
BMW
Due to having high-intensity xenon headlights, BMW headlights can be pricey to replace. Xenon or HID headlights came out over 15 years ago and are mostly used on luxury cars. An assembly without a bulb runs about $2,000 if you’re replacing the bulbs too and add another $500 for the pair. Although HID headlights can last almost the lifetime of the car, they come at a premium. Also, keep in mind that that doesn’t include labor costs.
Mercedes Benz
Luxury comes at a price and apparently so does seeing down the road in your Benz. Depending on what model you have, it can cost up to $3,000 to replace your headlight assembly. Some Mercedes have HID headlights and some come with LED lights. Both are pricey when it comes to replacing them.
Volvo
You love your Volvo, but you might take a step back if you have a problem and need to replace the headlights. A headlight assembly costs over $2,000 to replace and double that if you have a fender bender that takes out both lights.
Audi
Audi uses LED technology in their headlights and it’s offered in both high and low beams. The shape of their headlights has become a trademark, but this distinctive shape comes at a price. A headlamp unit, even without bulbs, will cost you and it goes for over nine hundred dollars. And that doesn’t include labor. The bulb will cost you up to $240 excluding labor and double that if you’re in the market for two.
Expensive Headlights and Your Pre-Owned Vehicle
Today more and more people are opting to buy a pre-owned vehicle. A Mercedes Benz, Audi or BMW are known to age well and the status of owning even a used one is still there. Obviously, buying pre-owned brings the overall initial cost down. It also helps lower insurance premiums. But what if you have an accident? One fender bender can take out one or both of your Volvo’s headlight assemblies. With the growing cost of headlights, your accident could cost thousands. In fact, based on the cost of replacement for some headlight assemblies, an insurance company may just total your used vehicle. Those fancy headlights that offer so much to the look of your vehicle could be your financial undoing.
Alternatives to Expensive Headlights
Buying full blown retail can be expensive, but there’s also alternative options to buying expensive headlights. For example, our sister company, Headlights Depot can offer up to 86% off the retail price of selective BMW headlights. With their doorbusters you’ll be able to save both your money and possibly your pre-owned vehicle. And some Volvo headlights are available for up to 60% retail. Headlights Depot takes the bite out of high-end headlights. You’ll still need to take care of the labor, but at least it won’t hit the wallet so hard. Sounds like a win-win to us.
To learn more about these headlight alternatives and other options, click here.