akscooby

"Decent quality HID" is harder to come by. I would recommend that instead of pursuing retailers, that you contact, instead, our resident HID-retro gurus, mr_luv and MiniSTiGuy and the like, and get their input on what you should obtain, and from which retailer(s) you should seek such solutions from.

 

As for installation, check out the installer from your local area enthusiasts' recommendations. Just because they're "professional," doesn't necessarily mean they know what they're doing. This happens *much* more often than you'd think, and given the specialized knowledge that something such as an HID-retrofit (or even plug-and-play component install) demands, you should be sure your installer is truly as skilled as he says he is. [ To-wit, we speed-detection countermeasures hobbyists routinely see such knowledge/skill deficits in supposed "professional" installers. ] You should also consult your local hobbyists to see who can do the work, on a hobbyist/enthusiast basis, in your area, as well as consider sending out parts to those here (I believe both of the previously mentioned individuals will do work on a "for hire" basis) who can accommodate your specific demands.

 

Also, remember, a "lifetime warranty" is only as good as the word of the shop/hardware manufacturer. If either or both goes belly-up, you're left holding on to a worthless piece of paper.

 

I would honestly invest in "better" hardware, rather than to count on such warranties.

 

Done all of the above....and am using an installer known and recommended by many in my area on this forum and who is quite familiar with how to do Subies. I'm not one that does things idly or on a whim...in fact, you sound like me at times...I research the heck out of things before I make a decision, and I made my decisions based on that research. All good advice though, and appreciated.

I just don't understand why people feel the need for HIDs...

 

Honestly, I've got the HIR high-beams and the Osram lows right now...and as I said before I'm happy with the light output. My issue is I spend $50-100 on bulbs per year between the headlights and fog lamps, and I'm tired of it. I want one setup that will provide good light and last for years without needing replacement. I'm getting a decent quality HID with a lifetime warranty professionally installed...if that doesn't solve the problem, then I guess I'll go back to changing out bulbs every six months and see if I can get a bulk discount somewhere....

I'm upgrading (maybe?) from the same Osram Rallye Hyper+65/HIR set up a lot of you have. I like the light output from both. The HIR's are pretty amazing, actually, and I'm not touching those. I am, however, going HID with lows and fogs as I keep losing a bulb here and there and I'm tired of replacing them. HID's should last years. I'll let you know an honest brightness comparison once the HID's are in. I'm not getting them for looks...I want reliable light, and I was perfectly happy with what I had, so I consider myself mostly unbiased.