Well, the plastic cover (or the "lens" as they used to call it) on my Mazda3 GT hatchback got hit, and both Mazda and a body shop have told me that I need a whole new LED tail light assembly, despite the fact that it's just the cover that's broken (the light itself is unharmed, and works).
First a bit of a rant - Thanks Mazda! Design large "parts assemblies" that are not serviceable so that an entire $375 unit must be ordered to fix a $10 piece of plastic.. When a similar thing happened to my 1999 Honda Civic I got the replacement "lens" for under $100...
Does anyone know where I might be able to get a cheaper part? I'm happy to take one from a wreck. The body shop guy said the cheapest he could get one for was $320...
I have tried eBay but currently they don't have any LED tail lights, only regular Mazda3 tail lights. Will those work? Assuming I don't care if my lighting is equally brilliant on both sides.. Or is the electrical output somehow different, too?
Any other creative solutions?
Right now I have it taped - yes taped! Please help!~
Thanks