headlight ( HID ) globe/ ballast issues

[IDWI]

Hi brains trust , have a 2014 D4 and recently "blew a globe" . Had it in for service a week or two back and had the globe replaced ( at a mere $300 for an aftermarket ) with advice to get it to an autosparky as suspected wiring issue with spotlights wiring splicing. The replacement globe blew almost immediately so will now be up for another new globe but in having taken it to the sparky the problem is apparently not wiring but the ballast. To get a new one of these is circa $600.
Knee tremble..... this is going to send a self funded retiree straight to centrelink in the not too distant future....
The question I then need to ask ( as suggested by the autosparky is , has anyone else on this forum had similar experience and gone down the "non genuine" parts route for a replacement ballast. I see online via a couple of "not necessarily "auto parts makers online but generally reputable online warehouses there are some aftermarket ones available for approx $150 and come with a 12 month warranty via these reputable sellers...
All thoughts /ideas/suggestions welcome
Cheers..... the bloke just picking himself up off the floor.....

[Graeme]

The ballasts are normally very reliable so can you get one from a wreckers?

As for the globes, have you considered the LED HID replacement globes? I fitted them to my L322 because an expensive Osram only lasted 2 years and the LED HID replacements were about $60 a pair. I found the LEDs at least as good as the HID, albeit whiter.

Edit: This is what I bought 2 years ago. They're around $85 now but I would not go back to HID globes for the bi-xenons.
180W 20000LM D3S D3R LED Headlight Bulbs Kit Replace HID Xenon Conversion Lamp | eBay

[discomatt69]

I can’t help with good advice regarding globes as mine still works and I have had no issues with them but with all due respect and not wanting to offend but if a few $100 repair is a issue for the finance department maybe a LandRover is not the car to get you through retirement
I am in the same boat, love my Disco 4, without question the best car I have ever owned but to replace it with another LandRover product, which would be a Defender approaching retirement is a daunting proposition