how much do headlights cost from the dealer?

[Mystical_Ice]

Some of you may remember the dilemna i was in with my 'scratched headlights'. Well after fighting my way through cadillac customer support, i finally got them to talk to the service manager at my 'home' dealership, who said he'd cover them, but expected me to pay 20%. i said sure...

(worth noting, when i dropped the car off, he made mention of me paying 25%, but i didn't think it was worth arguing at the time).

Anyway, so today i get a call saying my car's ready, and the final amount is $720+

What I want to know, is how the heck is that possible? They said that's 25% of the total cost at $2880 (!!!)... for two headlights.

So if someone could help me... i'm going into the dealership tomorrow to 'discuss' it, but to be honest, i was expecting to pay (at 20%), no more than maybe $450. Maybe i was just being naive, but
a) how much do the headlights cost at the dealer's price (i'm assuming that's what i'm paying 25% of, right? or do they charge me 25% of THEIR MARKUP)?
b) what's reasonable labor? am i getting ripped off on labor?

Just want to double check their costs and subsequent charges, so i can go into the dealership like i at least know something about what's going on.

[darkman]

The headlight assemblies list at $1019.88 for one side and $995.00 for the other. The internet seller sells them for $764 and $746. (I did not check the amount but they are notorious for high shipping and handling charges.) If you google ""gm parts" you can check several such sellers. (I only use them to check price because Lindsay is always better).

[Mystical_Ice]

one side more than the other? correct me if i'm wrong, but aren't they mirror images of one another!?

*shakes head*

ok well thanks for finding that out for me i just need to know how much labor was on these, and i'll be set :/

[Mystical_Ice]

also, have you met the new service manager? pretty cool guy, really 'hip'; the former gentleman was a lot more formal, etc.

still, this is going to leave a bad taste in my mouth, i can tell

[darkman]

According to Alldata the labor charge for replacement is 1.3 hours per side. (Looks to be PITA in the service manual) My dealer charges about $110 an hour plus some incidental shop charges. (Tom Peacock-North Freeway). I think overall your deal ain't too bad, but that's just me.

[Kmajecki]

Man i thought sanding mine down and re-clear coating was a pita, much better than $720 for something that's going to happen again in a year or two. Sorry to hear it man, that's pricey!

[darkman]

Originally Posted by Kmajecki

Man i thought sanding mine down and re-clear coating was a pita, much better than $720 for something that's going to happen again in a year or two. Sorry to hear it man, that's pricey!

Why is it going to happen again in a year or two? My car is four years old and the headlights look new.

[Kmajecki]

Ok maybe it wont. Why did it happen in the 1st place though? And why has it happened to so many other forum members? You must keep yours out of the sun.. That or you dont use that harsh chemical (aka soap) when washing your car! lol Hopefully it doesnt happen to him or anyone else, it just seems like due to the qty of issues that its a supplier issue, not a user issue.

[darkman]

Originally Posted by Kmajecki

Ok maybe it wont. Why did it happen in the 1st place though? And why has it happened to so many other forum members? You must keep yours out of the sun.. That or you dont use that harsh chemical (aka soap) when washing your car! lol Hopefully it doesnt happen to him or anyone else, it just seems like due to the qty of issues that its a supplier issue, not a user issue.

Well it is true that my car is not parked much in the sun and it has never been washed with anything other than just water. The problem has been reported by a lot of forum members, but I get the impression it does not happen to most of us. I just assumed it from automatic car washes or some other similar exposure.

[Kmajecki]

Yea with the way it seems almost directional, i'd guess its mostly from the automatic car washes as well. However most caddy dealerships around here seem to have auto car wash machines on site!

So all this $$, i'd hope it included the new ballasts, bulb, etc.. right? Just the lens/housings aren't $1k each are they? Man ebay here i come!!

[darkman]

Originally Posted by Kmajecki

Yea with the way it seems almost directional, i'd guess its mostly from the automatic car washes as well. However most caddy dealerships around here seem to have auto car wash machines on site!

So all this $$, i'd hope it included the new ballasts, bulb, etc.. right? Just the lens/housings aren't $1k each are they? Man ebay here i come!!

The prices I gave above are for the entire assemblies. The problem (I think) is that you cannot buy the just the lens.

[Mystical_Ice]

Right, you can't just replace the lens, it's the entire assembly.

I don't think it's from automatic car washes, because if it was, then why aren't my headlights scratched everywhere... why just on the 'top' surface? Plus, i can count on the fingers of my one hand how many times i've been through an automatic car wash

the car DOES spend a lot of time outside though.

the service manager said someone came in with a CTS-V right after me, that had the same problem. Darkman: I have the same dealer you do.

[darkman]

Originally Posted by Mystical_Ice

..the service manager said someone came in with a CTS-V right after me, that had the same problem. Darkman: I have the same dealer you do.

I was looking at their website this morning- they have a Red V2 in stock!!!

[Mystical_Ice]

Yeah they've had a black V2 sitting out front for a few days. If it's still there when I go pick my car up, I will very carefully consider purchasing it

[UnsafeAtAnySpd]

So if I were to sell a used drivers side headlight for $400-500 would that be fair?