Headlight / Headlamp Upgrades (Bi-Xenon / HID / LED / Replicas)

**iBoost** · 27-01-2010, 06:08 PM

Hey guys,

I ordered my new GTI a couple of weeks back and was and still am wondering if I should add the xenon head lights to the list. My car is not due till around May or June, so I imagine I should be able to add them onto the build still.

I wanted to ask you guys firstly whether it's worth the money, $2000 seems like a lot, but I'm comparing them to being included in the luxury pack on my 3 MPS which included a lot more than just xenons. Secondly, do adding things like this generally help resale? I tend to think not, but I've never bought a car where so many options are available.

If I do go ahead and add them on, what sort of discount should I expect? I got around a 10% discount on the car when I bought it, so would the same carry over to the xenons?

I'll give the dealer a call and find out the exact info, but would like to be prepared beforehand.

Thanks in advance

**elisiX** · 27-01-2010, 06:18 PM

1. You should add Bi-Xenons. They are a sought after option.

2. You should be able to add them to your order still.

3. Dont expect a discount when added at this late stage.

4. This is not a Mazda 3, so a direct comparison of cost is not fair.

These are not typical Bi-Xenon's either, they are auto levelling and cornering I believe.

Let us know how you go.

**Brian** · 27-01-2010, 06:23 PM

I ordered my new GTI a couple of weeks back and was and still am wondering if I should add the xenon head lights to the list
I wanted to ask you guys firstly whether it's worth the money, $2000 seems like a lot,

Unless you do a lot of country driving at night, you might as well put a cigarette lighter to your $2k

Secondly, do adding things like this generally help resale? I tend to think not,

You won't see dollar 1 from this on resale

but I've never bought a car where so many options are available.

This is where VW make their money!!

**elisiX** · 27-01-2010, 06:31 PM

While I dont believe you get a fair sum back for options (10-20% max), Bi-Xenon's are certainly one of the most sought after options on a car like this.

**iBoost** · 27-01-2010, 06:42 PM

Thanks for the info so far guys.

I don't do much country driving, probably only once or twice a year if at all. I just prefer them for the look, but not sure if I like them $2000 more. I wish we were in Canada, they are standard over there.

Also, I think I remember the tax or stamp duty being higher once the car is over $45k, so if I'm correct it will actually cost more than $2000 to add them on?

**Brian** · 27-01-2010, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by elisiX

While I dont believe you get a fair sum back for options (10-20% max), Bi-Xenon's are certainly one of the most sought after options on a car like this.

Sorry elisiX, I would personally think these would be the LEAST sort after options on a second hand car. 95% of people in Oz live in urban environments, they would hardly use high beams more than a few times a year. This would be the biggest waste of $2K as an option I've seen. IMHO

**gregozedobe** · 27-01-2010, 07:08 PM

Originally Posted by elisiX

These are not typical Bi-Xenon's either, they are auto levelling and cornering I believe.

All OEM HIDs (true Xenons) have auto-levelling, as it is a legal requirement (along with headlight washers).

HIDs are also a big improvement on illumination on low beam (ie in use every time you drive at night, even around urban areas).

Most people prefer HIDs once they have owned a car with decent HIDs (that includes me), and many say that any new car they buy MUST have HIDs.

Therefore I expect that HIDs will become more and more popular as time goes on and more people have more experience driving cars with HIDs. This means a s'hand car with HIDs will be easier to sell than one with halogen headlights, but probably won't add much extra to the price you will get.

Young people usually have better night vision than older people, but also often have less money to spend on expensive options, so HIDs tend to be more popular with (ahem) mature-age drivers than with younger buyers.

My suggestion is to go for a test drive at night on familiar roads in 2 Golfs: one with HIDs and one with normal halogen headlights. You are the only one that can say whether the improvement is worth that much extra $$$$.

**G-rig** · 27-01-2010, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by Brian

Unless you do a lot of country driving at night, you might as well put a cigarette lighter to your $2k

Until you want to fit them later and realise it's a fair and reasonable price.

They are quite good and you don't need to be only driving in rural areas

. Was an easy decision as they were standard on the R32. Agree that most options wont give you a bit return on the second hand market, but your choice which ones. I don't see how park assist is more important for example.

**Christopher** · 27-01-2010, 08:05 PM

+1 with the above... You really need to test drive one with HIDs at night to really see if the extra cost is worth it.
Me personally, I didn't feel that I required the Bi-Xenons so I didn't opt for that option, with most of my driving also being suburban and the occasional country road trip...

But in the end, it really does come down to personal preference...

If you're looking at the resale value, then like has been mentioned previously, you generally won't get much back on options with second hand cars, a few $k max... best not to think of this... Buy the car that suits your needs and has your wants.. If that incl's all the options, then so be it.

**Nath** · 27-01-2010, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by iBoost

Thanks for the info so far guys.

I don't do much country driving, probably only once or twice a year if at all. I just prefer them for the look, but not sure if I like them $2000 more. I wish we were in Canada, they are standard over there.

Also, I think I remember the tax or stamp duty being higher once the car is over $45k, so if I'm correct it will actually cost more than $2000 to add them on?

No higher tax is the LCT which comes in at $57K from memory.