Which Headlight Bulbs for a 2007 Tacoma?

[lumicycle]

Both headlights on my 2007 Tacoma burned out (low beams) and I need to get some replacements pronto (9003/H4). I started searching to see what the best option would be but there's too much conflicting information out there to sort through in the time I have. I was about to just order some OEM replacements just to get it done but decided to ask here, first.

OEM replacements or similar would provide longest life, it seems, but other options provide higher performance at expense of shorter life. The OEM bulbs lasted almost 50,000 miles (I left them on all the time). I'm willing to lose some longevity for some performance gain, but I don't want to be spending $35+ on bulbs every year or two. So is there a solid mid-compromise bulb that will give me decent life and a bit better performance? If it matters, nearly 100% of my nighttime driving is very rural with the occasional small town.

Thanks!

 

[-Virgil-]

Both headlights on my 2007 Tacoma burned out (low beams) and I need to get some replacements pronto (9003/H4).

Get these or, since it sounds like high beam performance is high on your priority list, get 70/65w Osram bulbs (Dan Stern has them -- probably slower than Amazon).

The OEM bulbs lasted almost 50,000 miles (I left them on all the time).

Long-life bulbs start out giving relatively poor headlamp performance, and by the time you considered replacing yours, their output was way down. Headlight bulbs are cheaper than body parts; paying $35 every year or two is a whole lot better idea than keeping the same bulbs for 50,000 miles.

Also, if you're leaving your headlights on all the time to get a daytime running light function, you're much better off putting in an automatic DRL module that doesn't use the headlamps (like this.

 

[lumicycle]

Get these or, since it sounds like high beam performance is high on your priority list, get 70/65w Osram bulbs (Dan Stern has them -- probably slower than Amazon.

Thanks so much for the recommendation! May I ask why you suggest those? Do they last longer than other comparable options? I've ordered them regardless, but still curious why they are recommended. I was under the impression that the Osram bulbs were not legal for street use since they draw a higher wattage...

and by the time you considered replacing yours, their output was way down.

I just read about that last night. I didn't know halogen bulb output degrades over time, so I definitely have some habits to change!

Headlight bulbs are cheaper than body parts;

I hear what you're saying and appreciate the caution. Thank you.

paying $35 every year or two is a whole lot better idea than keeping the same bulbs for 50,000 miles.

I'm sure it is for those who can, but I'm looking for that middle ground...say $35 in 3 or 4 years, or 20,000 miles, or something. If there is no such middle ground, I'll stick with OEM bulbs and maybe change them out after a few years instead of waiting until they burn out.

Also, if you're leaving your headlights on all the time to get a daytime running light function.

I actually just left them on because it's the first vehicle I ever had where the lights go on and off with the vehicle if you leave the switch in the 'on' position. That is, since I didn't ever have to turn them off, I didn't. It seemed like magic! Now that I know bulb performance degrades with use, I will definitely try to break this habit.

Thanks again for the suggestion.

 

[-Virgil-]

Thanks so much for the recommendation! May I ask why you suggest those? Do they last longer than other comparable options?

They tend to be the longest-lasting high-output bulbs (I think you will probably be surprised at how big of a difference they will make).

I actually just left them on because it's the first vehicle I ever had where the lights go on and off with the vehicle if you leave the switch in the 'on' position.

That also shortens bulb life significantly -- the bulbs get the equivalent of whacked with a sledgehammer every time the engine is started or shut off with the bulbs powered.

 

[lumicycle]

They tend to be the longest-lasting high-output bulbs (I think you will probably be surprised at how big of a difference they will make).

Awesome...that's what I'm after! Looking forward to it...

That also shortens bulb life significantly -- the bulbs get the equivalent of whacked with a sledgehammer every time the engine is started or shut off with the bulbs powered.

Now that you mention it, that makes sense...but man!...how long would they have lasted if I had treated them nicely!?!?

Thanks so much for your helpful responses. New bulbs on Thursday.