A rock cracked my windshield. I have $1000 ded. I can get an aftermarket for about $400.00 or a OEM for about $950.00. Its for a 2003 GS430. I plan on keeping the car for 5-6 years, 60-70K. Which way should I go?.
Best Regards.............Bob

 

personally i'd get oem lexus one

 

I did not check to see if my replacement was OEM, but it is made by PPG. It fits perfectly and is crystal clear.

 

I was told that PPG actually makes the OEM Toyota/Lexus glass - the difference is simply the logo.

Regardless, when I replaced the glass I did go with PPG and could not tell any difference what so ever. BTW, the shop that did the work acutally does glass work for the local Lexus dealer - as evidenced by 3 Lexuses in his shop. The owner said he orders the Toyota and PPG glass from the same distributor but under different SKUs. His cost for either glass is the same but if the Lexus glass is ordered the dealer takes the profit built into the $950 they're charging you and the Lexus dealer will ferry the car to and from his shop for your convenience.

My guess is that your Lexus dealer has a similiar arrangement with a local glass guy.

Good luck,
Eric

 

I heard somewhere that small cracks could easily be repaired. I'm not sure if true or not, but if it is it does sound like a cheaper option.

 

dings that make a crater-like impression *are* easily and permanently fixed by a glass/windshield place using a crazy-glue type substance for about $100. A crack however, cannot be fixed.

 

How much did you'all pay for the PPG replacement............Thanks...........Bob

 

I had my GS4's windshield replaced 1 month ago for a stone crack, and the installer indeed used PPG glass, everything down to the mirror clip was exactly the same. The cost (I didn't pay a dime-insurance did) was ~$380.

When my wife called around, she found various prices, some lower, a few higher. I don't know if they all used PPG glass.