Let me put it to you this way, I would probably leave the OEM windshield cracked before I put a $280 aftermarket windshield in my car.

That's how negative my experiences have been l

Maybe a 10+ year old one, but not a 2 year old $60k Lexus.

 

The installer makes ***ALL*** the difference.

Glass is basically glass, if the aftermarket is LOF or Pilkington or another quality brand you're fine, I HIGHLY doubt that Toyota makes their own glass.

 

Installers dont make the glass wavy, or make the tint different, or make the glass pit easier. These are all issues I've had with aftermarket glass.

Lexus OEM glass is made by Aashi if it's made in Japan, Pilkington if it's made in the US or Canada. But, aftermarket runs from the same manufacturer are different than OEM runs. Lexus has very tight tolerances and rejects a lot of glass. Those rejected windshields become "replacement glass". No Lexus stamp, no glass for me.

In terms of resale. I wouldn't buy a used Lexus with an aftermarket windshield, I definitely wouldn't pay the same price as for one with OEM glass.

 

I've had bad experience w/ Safelite and great experience w/ Lexus. As has been said, it all comes down to the installer. If a crappy job is done, Safelite is way less likely to take responsibility than Lexus. Of course, Lexus is quite a bit more $$, so it's not a cut and dry answer.

 

Definitely not auto glass varies widely in quality and clarity. On that note I don't understand why auto makers can't install high quality glass anymore I had a Toyota with Yokohama glass the windshield was nearly indestructible.

 

Just replaced my windshield. Glass Doc did the work and I asked for Pilkington reluctantly. OEM would have cost an extra $504, but I was given enough reassurance it would be ok.....here is my assessment. Glass Doc did a pretty good job, however, we had a horrible time getting the sensor assembly next to the rear view mirror to lock on to the windshield bracket....the glass is as clear as OEM, the top edge of the windshield is not as beveled or smooth as stock and the vin number is not lined up with the viewing area in the lower corner. I'm not happy, but it is better than a rock chip in my view.

 

I'd have spent the $504. This will bug you every time you look at it.

 

I got a "small" chip on my OE glass but I bet if that same rock hit my OEM glass, would have left a big crack!

 

Hearing these stories compels me to get the extra glass coverage with my insurance now...

 

Some states are "free" but in VA it is part of deductible so I had to lower mine from $500 to $50 cause of the windshield. Only $10 more a month by lowering it

 

If you ever intend to sell your car to a dealership, Carmax, or trade it in, I have noticed the 1st thing the used car appraiser looks at is the windshield to be sure it has OEM glass in it. If it doesn't, your car will be worth hundreds less. You can pay now or pay later.

 

I replaced mine with made in China Benson glass and it's the best $300 I spent. No difference at all.

 

1 month follow-up. USAA finally came through....covering up the vin was not acceptable. I went to another shop that got OEM glass approved + used OEM gaskets and seals....huge difference. Everything fits perfect, no problem with sensor locking in. I will never accept an aftermarket job again & after what I just went through I never want to drive on the interstate. Just want to keep it safe in the garage for now.

 

Good...glad it worked out.

Yep, all it takes is one bad aftermarket experience and we have another convert.

 

If you have any if these options you MUST go with lexus glass. 1- Cold weather package due to windshield dicier. 2- Heads-up display 3- APCS 4- LKA.