I need some help guys. My windshield is cracked and needs replacement which will cost me at least $400-500 dollars at the dealer. I think the aftermarket windshields go for $180. I am wondering if the aftermarket windshield is the same exact thing(shape, color, thickness, reliablility). I also heard a rumor that the aftermarket windshield produces a lot of wind noice while driving, can someone please comment on that?
Here is my second concern. My 1998 GS is a second term lease, so i will be giving it back in about a year. Am I going to have a problem returning the car with an aftermarket windshield?

 

i was wrong, it's actually $750 at the dealer

 

I was just on the phone with a place that Verone from Longo lexus referred me too called AGM Glass. They said that if I had to replace my windshield, it was going to cost about 350 dollars, and this was for an aftermarket glass, but the quality is the same. They said that there are some aftermarket windshields but the quality and fitment is not the same. I forgot what type of material she said the windshield was made from but it is suppose the be the same material that the dealer uses. I would call your dealer and ask them what type of glass they use and then look for an aftermarket that uses the same type of glass.

 

It was hard enough to get Lexus to finally get me the right Windshield for my GS430. I would be very careful about aftermarket windshield. Years ago I had a aftermarket windshield put in a different type of car but the Windshield had distortion in it. They had to change it twice to get it to look okay.

 

i paid about 325.00. exact looking. a few things i think i noticed. for some reason i noticed more reflection of the dashboard? maybe it was jsut me. also my dashboard seems to rattle where the windshield touches the dash. probably unrelated. the reflection thing doesnt bother me. can anyone verify if thats normal stock? i went for the affordable route, i also have a warranty for life! pretty handy if i need to use it. hope that helps!

 

i don't think we Lexus gives us warranty on the glass? or does it?

 

Does anyone know how involved the install is? Not going to try it myself, but years ago, they had to cut the old w/s's out with a knife, wire, etc., and then they'd use sealer to reinstall.

My w/s has a few chips, and a few scratches, but I don't want to break the factory seal, if in fact, there is one. If it's just a replaceable rubber/plastic thing, I may just go ahead with it.

 

I know there is a rubber seal that is involved when changing out the windshield, I think it cost around 25 dollars. I also think they use some sort of sealant to make sure the windshield is air and waterproof.

 

well i just came back from the dealer..and i was told that changing the w/s also requires changing the molding and the total process will cost me $1140...I think that's just rediculous

 

just go with the glass people. they will do a good job, i watched as they did it. they even came to my house, lifetime warranty, can't beat that!

 

the only thing that scares me is giving back my car in the end of the lease without the original glass. (I never leased a car before and i don't want any surprises)

 

I think if you use PPG glass you should be fine. I heard that is what kind of glass Lexus uses.