Comprehensive Review - XenonDepot 4300K HID kit in 2003 Limited V8 4WD

[philsey]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/65812-installing-hid-kit-2010-sr5-pics.html

 

[rfc]

How do you like the Phillips bulbs? I'd love to see how they compare as far as color and 'crispness' (if thats a word?) to the XenonDepot bulbs. I know Steve they're supposed to have a break in period though where the tint needs to settle but just curious what your initial thoughts are. :hatsoff:

I've only had about 6 hours or so of on-time so far, so based on Steve's estimate of 100 hours to break in, I've still got a good while to go. That said, the light output is much better than I expected and very consistent across the illuminated area. Easily twice as bright as stock, and even my wife (who doesn't pay much attention to car stuff) remarked at how good they were working.

I don't have any other HID-equipped vehicle to compare to, but can only say I'm *very* happy with the results and would recommend to anyone.

Steve - PM Sent. Thanks for the follow-up!

 

[L.C.]

I've only had about 6 hours or so of on-time so far, so based on Steve's estimate of 100 hours to break in, I've still got a good while to go. That said, the light output is much better than I expected and very consistent across the illuminated area. Easily twice as bright as stock, and even my wife (who doesn't pay much attention to car stuff) remarked at how good they were working.

I don't have any other HID-equipped vehicle to compare to, but can only say I'm *very* happy with the results and would recommend to anyone.

Steve - PM Sent. Thanks for the follow-up!

Cool, I gotcha.

Funny enough my girlfriend mentioned something also on the way to a movie one night shortly after installing the kit... Something to the effect of, "those really are a lot brighter than before." Haha.

 

[philsey]

.... and even my wife (who doesn't pay much attention to car stuff) remarked at how good they were working.

Cool... Something to the effect of, "those really are a lot brighter than before." Haha.

This is funny. My wife's the same - car's a means to get from A to B.

First time she rode in my 4R (after the HIDs) she said: "oooh, can I have those in my car too".

 

[XenonDepot]

I still haven't had a chance to install a set on my 2011 SR5. The only thing I've done so far is install the Putco jet yellow bulbs in the fogs and some weathertech digital liners.

Steve

 

[philsey]

I still haven't had a chance to install a set on my 2011 SR5. ......
Steve

UNBELIEVABLE!! No horn upgrade either??

 

[Foosmatrix]

Soghhyzg

 

[L.C.]

I still haven't had a chance to install a set on my 2011 SR5. The only thing I've done so far is install the Putco jet yellow bulbs in the fogs and some weathertech digital liners.

Steve

Reminds me of those home workout ads you see on TV; come on Steve, you can't spare 15 minutes a day... just one day this week? Haha.

Edit - Does anybody know where I can find a picture of the tan weathertech digital liners installed in a tan interior'd 4th gen? I've been looking everywhere and can't find a thing.

 

[XenonDepot]

i know i know... No excuses other than the fact that it's been in the twenties....

 

[rfc]

Edit - Does anybody know where I can find a picture of the tan weathertech digital liners installed in a tan interior'd 4th gen? I've been looking everywhere and can't find a thing.

I ordered a tan set (front, second row, cargo) at the same time as my HID's -when they get in I'll take some pics installed for you (my interior is tan). Might even have to start a build thread...

 

[L.C.]

I ordered a tan set (front, second row, cargo) at the same time as my HID's -when they get in I'll take some pics installed for you (my interior is tan). Might even have to start a build thread...

Yeah that would be awesome, I'm really leaning toward getting a set, just can't settle on the color. I have the black factory all weathers in there now and they look ok, but I'd really like something that matched the tan. Only good thing about the factory all weathers, and the weather tech all weathers (which look to be exactly the same, minus the "4Runner" running down the side) that I wish the weather tech mats had are deeper ridges. The all weathers don't provide best coverage, or looks, but the deep ridges do hold a lot of dirt/mud before affecting you're shoe's grip and needing to be cleaned.

 

[rfc]

Yeah that would be awesome, I'm really leaning toward getting a set, just can't settle on the color. I have the black factory all weathers in there now and they look ok, but I'd really like something that matched the tan. Only good thing about the factory all weathers, and the weather tech all weathers (which look to be exactly the same, minus the "4Runner" running down the side) that I wish the weather tech mats had are deeper ridges. The all weathers don't provide best coverage, or looks, but the deep ridges do hold a lot of dirt/mud before affecting you're shoe's grip and needing to be cleaned.

Started a build thread. Pics of the front and 2nd row mats are there now: Weathertek Digital Fit Mats

 

[L.C.]

Started a build thread. Pics of the front and 2nd row mats are there now: Weathertek Digital Fit Mats

Awesome, thanks a lot for the link.

 

[L.C.]

Not to bring this back from the dead but just wanted to update everyone and say that I just recently ordered a set of bulbs from Steve (for another car, nothing wrong with my kit :banana and I just wanted to stress how awesome customer service is over at XenonDepot, and how amazed I was to get a knock on the door from the UPS guy this afternoon. Since I was told to expect them by the end of this week at the earliest.

These bulbs got here (South Carolina) in less than 3 business days... From Canada! Simply amazing...

I'll continue to use and recommend XenonDepot to friends and family alike as long as they're around, which I predict to be a very, very long time.

Thanks again Steve!


Fresh off the UPS truck... Sorry about photo quality, took it with my iPhone.

 

[XenonDepot]

Thanks for taking the time to post up some feedback Positive word of mouth and referrals are our number one source of business so it is very much appreciated when customers take a moment to post up a review.

Steve

 

[AE1M]

Thanks for taking the time to post up some feedback Positive word of mouth and referrals are our number one source of business so it is very much appreciated when customers take a moment to post up a review.

Steve

I am curious about the use of the power relay vs direct connection to the factory harness. What are the pluses and minuses with the exception of the extra work. Will it be more reliable and less strain on the electrical system (ie factory harness). Any long term users have any experience? On positive I can think of using both factory harnesses is that if one light fails, the other is still on while driving. If you use the battery to drive them, one failure can kill both lights.

Bob

 

[SilverGs]

To the OP, even though it appears he's no longer on here or to XenonDepot, can you answer my question in this post please?

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/999649-post494.html

 

[araT4r]

diference between regular chinese (ebay) kits and this kits? have any reviews with pics?

 

[JeepWinch]

What are the differences between the Genuine German Philips 85122 HID bulbs and the Double tubed Philips UV Quartz bulbs?

 

[L.C.]

Hey guys, not to bring this back from the dead but I just wanted to check in and say the kit has been running flawless since install, I'm really sorry I didn't get back to you SilverGS, hope you got everything squared away.