Agreed.With the noise issues that us 3GS guys are having with the windshield clips, I wouldn't risk it myself on aftermarket glass.

 

Do you have the rain sensing option? If so, that is another reason to demand an OEM window. You want to ensure that the window has the same form, fit and function as the original. The only way to be certain of this is to go OEM.

 

I've got some first-hand experience here (albeit on a 2GS). I went through 3 windshields in the summer of 2006 (actually 4, if you count the original Toyota glass). My insurance company insisted on aftermarket PPG and claimed that it would be exactly the same as a windshield stamped with the Lexus name. In fact, they claimed that the PPG glass and Lexus glass were manufactured on the same assembly line. While I agree that PPG does make windshields for some Toyota cars, I believe it's just for those cars manufactured in the U.S. Anyway, the first PPG windshield had terrible distortion in the lower right hand corner of the windshield. The glass company apologized and brought out a new PPG windshield. The second one was worse than the first. I mean, it was a joke. It literally had so many waves in it you could surf on it. The best way to describe the distortion is a series of 6 or 7 vertical lines spaced 6 or so inches apart. Not only was it totally annoying, but it was kind of distracting and potentially dangerous. After 2 tries, I insisted on Lexus glass for the third try, and my insurance company finally agreed. The Lexus glass is perfect. No distortion at all. Hope this helps.

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Update: My ins co is insisting on the PPG glass. Here is the kicker, if I am unhappy with the PPG glass after install, I am to call them back and they will install the OEM! Go figure!!

 

my glass will be replaced with Lexus. The price is $788 installed. Hopefully it is OEM as they said it would.

 

I don't think that is the Lexus OEM glass. I called Lexus parts myself and the glass alone is $1254. retail not including labor!

 

I just had my windshield replaced on the beater (we go through many windshields here in AZ). I asked my glass guy about replacing the Lexus windshield. I wanted to know if he could get Lexus OEM.

He mentioned yes, but the glass you get at the dealer is made by the same aftermarket company e.g. that would supply the installer. He said the only difference is the name on the glass.

It sounds like there is a difference between OEM glass "out of the factory" vs. OEM glass "purchased at the dealership."

 

That sounds like OEM glass replacement. List price for Japanese Lexus glass is very expensive.

 

BTW, what tires came on your GS?

 

Hmmm I'm calling AAA to make sure then!

I got some ghetto *** Hankook tires on my car, thanks to Lexus CPO lol

 

The lexus OEM glass has water repellent coating. This is new feature introduced on Lexus model very recently. First saw this on 2007 ES350 but may be 2006 GS had this for the first time.

I am not sure if PPG aftermarket glass will have this coating... may be or may be not. I would just insist on a genuine Lexus glass.

I would put aftermarket on my $2000 beater but not on my $45K lexus...

 

it's nothing new. i believe it's there since 2001-2002. i think all sc430 has it at least. it's on front windshield and also the front side windows

 

Correct it's been around for quite some time now.

If I recall, the water repellent glass is for the front door windows only. The windshield doesn't have it.

 

i believe they started out with just the front side windows. i could be wrong but i recall reading that they have it for the front as well now (forgot where i read that)

 

All depends on your insurance deductible. For example my deductible is $500.00 In my case i'll fight to get a OEM LEXUS windshield and have them pay for the rest. If you can get an aftermarket for $525.00 i might as well not use insurance. Dont let insurance tell you what to do, you're paying anual premiums for it. If you need to use it, make sure they forge out some money.