Jon,

I have had several sets of the pricey ones and more of the cheaper ones. The last cheap set lasted longer than the car and I just ordered another set yesterday ($37 shipped) because with the flooding here, I had to drive down a road where they got fried the water was so high....

Personally, I buy the cheap ones, but I simply buy 2 kits so that I have plenty of spare bulbs and ballasts just in case. And I am certain this is something you can do yourself, but after doing 5+ of these myself, there are tricks you learn and Max will be much quicker (even if he is a week or two older than dirt LOL). Have him change out your front corner bulbs as well or their yellow light will make the HIDs look bad