I'm in the same boat as the OP.
One of my headlights went out recently; like three weeks ago. I haven't replaced it yet because I've been on the fence about switching over to HID's. The money doesn't bother me (too much) as long as I don't have to fork over my left n*t.
But there's so much (mis)information out there about HID's. Some say avoid it like the plague (you'll be blinding everybody else), others say
go for it! From what I've read (and absorbed) this is what one is looking at when switching over to HID's :
1) Legalities - I won't get into this as it varies from region to region. So unless you're a practicing lawyer who has sound knowledge about this in my region (Ontario, Canada), let's keep it moving. But if you do plan on investing in HID's you may want to go to the source (the police) and flat out ASK THEM. I'm allergic to asking for legal advice on internet forums (I'm just sayin').
2) Housing - I've read numerous posts indicating that unless the vehicle is originally equipped with HID's, you should avoid it because it'll melt the housing. Seriously? But in all fairness I've read other posts that say this is utter nonsense. If anybody can shed some light on this matter....please....teach....impart your wisdom unto me.
3) PLUG 'N' PLAY - From what I understand, if you want HID's to function properly, unless your vehicle came with HID's (OEM)
you will be required to modify your lighting system. While there are numerous kits out there that boast their system is "plug 'n' play", these will inevitably create problems for you later down the road. Part of modifying your lighting system (as I understand it) is that you will need an HID Projector so that it can create an appropriate lighting pattern ahead of you (so that you're not blinding everybody else) and getting the police's attention. Actually there's another thread on this site that talks about modifying your lighting system :
http://www.grandprixforums.net/hid-p...fit-29928.html
Without sounding like a complete shill, if one wanted "Plug 'n' Play", the
closest thing I've found so far is right here :
The Retrofit Source online: headlight upgrades for all applications. I'm looking into it myself (right now).
Yup....lotta information out there. Until I get it all sorted out, I'll be that loon driving with one light out.