VS/VR tail lights - genuine versus non-genuine, whats the difference?

[Krilnik]

As per the subject, what are the differences?

I see a few "non-genuine" tail lights on Ebay. Is there anything wrong with these?

I have a cracked tail light. Am i better off spending $35 at the wreckers for a genuine second hand one? Or $75 for a new genuine one? Or even something like $50 for a new "non genuine" one???

Thanks....

[moff_man]

might wanna have a chat to your rodey bloke before you put aftermarket one on. im in nsw and for a e safty check (i do these) there should be no rearward white facing light (except reverse).

[Philthy]

There was a thread about this a few weeks ago, and everyone (inncluding me) seemed to think that there was no problem with paying a bit less for the non-gen ones

[Andrew426]

I would go for the $35 one from the wreckers, if its in good cond.

[wraith]

The only difference I can think of is that some of the non-genuine lights haven't been ADR approved. But it doesn't matter any way going by the amount of non-ADR lights in lancers I don't think cops care.

[hako]

I'd also go for a good 2nd hand one from the wreckers - choose one from a VR as they are identical to the VS but the reflector doesn't fade. The el-cheapo imported ones are variable quality and not as sturdy as the genuine. You can also bet you bottom dollar that they will fade quick-time in the sun.

[wraith]

I have a pair of VR tail lights that show they do fade just as bad as the VS one's

[Kurtp]

My lights off ebay, are only "red" when the brakes are on, when just lights they are pink. Other than that, they are good.

[hako]

I have a pair of VR tail lights that show they do fade just as bad as the VS one's

Fair enough - that hasn't been my experience but if you have faded VR reflectors/tail lights I cannot argue with that.

[wraith]

It's Holden. Why bother going to a new tail light when it will cost more :P

[VrWagz1]

My experiance with aftermarket lights has been ok. TBH, the sealing on the genuine ones was pretty poor, and really i dont think after markets could do much worse. As long as they are adr compliant, i wouldnt worry to much. The only thing going genuine provides, is the assurance of a nice fit.

[Krilnik]

So i bought 2 new taillights tonight. Both have the clear indicator. I used to have amber indicators.

One light is genuine, while the other isn't. The non-genuine light doesn't seat into the cavity correctly. Other than that, no problems with the non-gen light.

[tezza]

I'd always go genuine over aftermarket. The one thing that really annoys me with aftermarket lights etc is that the electrical connection / bulb holders etc seem to be a poor fit, not to mention the actual light being a lottery as to whether you get one that fits correctly or not.

[Krilnik]

Oh yeah, the wiring looms that came with the lights are not compatble with my wiring. The new connections have a little long white connector. What the hell plugs into this?

Also, the amber globes that came with them DO NOT fit the globe connection with my original clear ones. Is this making any sense?

I went to the servo to buy amber globes for the new white-indicator tail lights and they didnt have any that fit my original electrical connectors.

What gives? Might have to swing past Autobarn on the way home from work....

[Krilnik]

Fixed my wiring issue.

Now that i have 1 genuine and 1 non-genuine i can tell you all the non-genuine lights are shit.

- Don't fit properly
- The clear indicator section is way too dark compared to the clear section on the garnish