Just gonna say it. Not impressed by the '06+ tail lights.
and it goes without saying that the '03-'05 tails leave a lot to be desired.

I searched the forum archives and couldn't find a legitimate thread on aftermarket tail lights. I just found a lot of "WRONG. Buy 06 tails /thread" posts anytime someone mentions even thinking about aftermarket.

I'd like to see pictures of anyone's aftermarket tail lights that they may have installed and I'd like to know why the general consensus is to completely ignore the aftermarket and buy OEM.
Is it just a mass preference? Are there so many known issues with installing aftermarket tail lights in these cars that it isn't even worth trying?

I found a set I think would look great on my black '04 pictured here:

can I put a link to the seller's website if they aren't a sponsor? I don't know if they are or not.

Anyway, these tail lights are significantly cheaper than the oem 06+ units and look much better in my opinion.

I'm not hating on anyone that has 06+ tails either in their 03-05 or just OEM in their 06+. Its a very clean look and the 06+ LED units are much nicer looking than the 03-05s for sure- especially when illuminated.
I'm just looking for pics/advice for myself.

Thanks in advance and please don't flame me too bad for asking >_<

 

 

Id say if you like it go for it, its your car. And you will probably be flamed because if its not stock people think it looks bad

 

didn't read anything. just looked at the pictures.

NO.

 

Honestly, If you like them go for it. They don't really float my boat, and most other people on this site, but you aren't modding our cars, so its all good. Get them, write a review, and enjoy the flames.

 

looks great!!

 

This is like playing zombies on COD...the retarded threads keep coming!

Buy it!

 

How is this a "retarded thread"? Its a genuine request for pics, thoughts, and reasons not to buy aftermarket tail lights. That is, unless there are no reasons. I just assumed that because everyone here is so unanimously against them, there would be a technical reason. I'm not looking for your approval.

Thanks for the support everyone else.

 

I paid nearly $500 for my 2006 LED Tail lights back in 2006, they are going for as low as $200 at times used in the marketplace

The ones that you posted are cheap and will probably end up fogging up or filling with water over time, there is no reason to not just wait for a used set of 06+'s in todays market, you will end up regretting it like everyone else has that has bought those God awful things

 

Finally something relevant, thank you.
I understand what you're saying about quality.
I don't expect oem quality in a $200 aftermarket replacement part, I just don't care for oem styling in this case.
Do you think fogging is the only issue I'd come across? Surely some extra sealant pre-installation would help counter that.
What I'm concerned with is a potential wiring incompatibility so I'm hoping someone that has some aftermarket tails will chime in about theirs.

 

Personally i dont like them, they look too plasticy (those red ring type pieces right above the LEDs) they look like something off of a toy laser gun. But back on base, one of the guys we cruise with every now and then has a set, like those, but they are the ones with the Z in LEDs on the back, and they look iffy, certain angles is alright the rest is not so much. if i can hit him up and get pics ill post them.
As far as wiring, he had no issues with his, he just plugged and installed them, so these should be fine. Lets just hope you dont need adapters, then youll be SOL.

 

Thanks for the reply! What's this about potentially needed adapters and being
SOL? That's exactly the kind of potential problem I'm worried about.

 

I think it is better to find the pic of a Z that has them on. The way it is now seems like it might not look good

 

Buy them!!!!! Then throw some flame decals on that b*tch and it will be mad JDM yo


Seriously TOTAL RICE!!!!!!!!!!!

 

If they didn't have the wart growing out of the middle of the lens, they would only look 75% like crap.

 

I am not sure on the ones you posted up but most of those aftermarket light companies try to make install as painless as possible so pretty sure it wouldn't be too hard to figure out if you come across a minor hiccup.
there is a water barrier spray you can probably use where the lense cover meets the housing that might aid in keeping moisture from getting in.
Personally I don't like the style/look of them but I say go for it.
I initially didn't like the nismo v3 when it first came out and now its one of my favorite so who knows.
good luck

 

You see so much criticism of the aftermarket tails because the ones that have been posted up on the forum look so cheap, gaudy and/or rice (especially the ones with the Z shaped LED pattern) that they should be found in a Pep Boys next to the stick-on fake hood and fender vents/scoops. In addition, the quality of them are typically **** poor. As already mentioned, the seal on the housings of some are not good, thus leading to moisture and fogging problems.

Also, the quality and brightness of the LED's are typically not as good as the OEM tails. Not just on the aftermarket Z tails either. I've seen plenty of aftermarket tails for various makes & models that are dim and/or have a bunch of burnt out LED's in comparison to OEM.

BTW... I don't like the tails posted in the OP. The protruding bug eye blisters look like **** IMO.

 

I'm sorry but I'm calling you out on this statement. I'm not sure what else you are looking for. The OEM lights are perfect. Same great signature look as the DE engine Z but with a bit of "high end", "expensive" look with the LEDs. I remember back in 2005 when I had my '05 model and I thought one of the only things missing was more "high end" look with the tail lights. I thought they should have been LEDs. Well guess what happened in '06. Wish come true. Bazinga!

 

make sure to get some rice also

 

Something your picture is not showing you: