ok...had to replace my windshield. I looked around the forums and the consensus says to use the original Toyota windsheild to avoid a nightmare with increased cabin noise, leaks, and more. Well I called Lexus and they want $786 for new glass, that is uninstalled. I stoped there, but I'm sure it was at least another $200 to install.

Now even though I pay the premium price for insurance, my company has no "auto galss deductable", which my friend has with his company ($100 deductable). I wasn't about to file a regular comp claim and pay the $500 deductable and have my rates go up.

So I called my trusted body shop and 'my guy' there refered me to a mobile replacement company. They quoted me $225 installed (included a new molding) The guy assured me the glass was built to OEM specs and is very high quality. I asked about increased cabin noise, he said it wouldn't be a problem.

When the guys were installing the new windshield, I checked to make sure the replacement was the same thickness, it was. I waited 4 or 5 hours and took it for a test drive. Everything is just how it was previously. No increased cabin noise, no water leaks, no difference.

So this is just my word of advise that there is no reason to pay $1000 for a new Toyota windshield when a quality install with quality glass for $225 is just the same.

By the way, the brand of replacement glass is PPG.

 

Just had mine replaced a couple weeks back. It took them 1 week to find one then another week to get it. I paid my deductable and haven't had any noise problems etc. I'm not sure what make was installed.

DT

 

Since the replacement glass is made by PPG, I can't imagine that you'd have any problems. If I ever need to replace my windshield, that's what I plan to use.

 

I have had so many cars, and windshields replaced I never had any problems with an aftermarket windshield...I wonder why u even went that far b4 u made ur decision....Its good u made the right decision bro, all of these car companies recommend there own original parts.....
Its all about the doe chi-ching

 

I pretty much consult the forums before I do anything to my GS...that way I don't make any stupid mistakes, I always seem to be able to save $$ when I look for something here, and 9 tiems out of 10 the advise here is great. The problem is that almost ALL the posts here about replacement windshields say to stay away from anything other than the Toyota glass. Anyway, this time I am glad I did not follow the crowd and go with the $1000 winshield...that's almost the cost of new coilovers or a torque converter.

 

Just checked the replacement windshield that was installed in mine. Make as follows

Viracon Laminated
ASI - M 60 DDOT 129.
Made in U.S.A.

No wind noises or leaks. I'm happy!

DT

 

I have never had a problem with an aftermarket windshield either. Now the bad news. An auto broker friend of mine told me that one of the things guys in the car biz do when they look at a car to determine trade in value is the glass. If it doesn't all say "Lexus" or Toyota or BMW, they know the glass has been replaced. Was it because of a broken windshield or something more? They usually don't care, they just knock some bucks off of what they are willing to give you for it. Seems like a lot to pay but whenever I needed glass replaced, I got the original manufacturer glass since then.