Used or New

[Mike104]

My Climate Control panel on my '99 OBW will work sometimes (selector lights and buttons). I have taken it apart and sprayed it with contact cleaner a number of times. Sometimes the indicator lights work and sometimes the lights and buttons do not work.

 

I did get the background lighting replaced but am questioning getting a used one. They vary from $20-$40 used (on eBay) but cost over $200 from Subaru.

 

Has anyone had any luck purchasing used ones? The $40 is "tested" and comes with a 30 day warranty and includes shipping.

 

I'm a bit hesitant to pay over $200 for a new one on a 12 yr old car. I generally leave it at Defrost/Feet for winter and dash vents for summer, but would like to be able to change it as needed during the spring/fall seasons.

Edited March 16, 2012 by Mike104

[davebugs]

I've got one here from a 99 I'll ship you for 30.00 but I can't swear to the bulbs.

 

I just parted the car.

 

PM if interested.

[idosubaru]

used. they're too easy to replace to even consider replacing with a new one.

 

they fail so rarely that used is a fine option - you are unlikely to ever need to replace it again.

 

in the event that you did have to replace it again (highly unlikely) - you'd still be money ahead. if something has a high opportunity cost in terms of time that's one thing but these are so easy to replace and rarely fail that new would never cross my mind.

[Mike104]

Dave = PM sent

 

Gary = You are right. Even if I have to buy three used ones, I'm still ahead financially than buying a new one.

 

Thanks for the help.

[jamesm113]

I got a used one off eBay, works fine, once the backlights were replaced. I put in some LEDs off superbrightleds.com

[john40iowa]

We got one used off of Ebay. Six years and still going strong, lights and all.