guys,

just had a repair guy come out and he said that the rock chip is not repairable and that i have to get the windshield replaced. I'm demanding a OEM Lexus windshield but my question is, should i have the lexus dealer install or the mobile company do it? my insurance is picking up the tab so what should i do?

thanks

 

I never had one done at the dealer, but I have had a reputable place come to my work and replace my windshield in my previous SUV. Definitely ask for the stock Lexus replacement, but check around on the mobile shops, you should be able to find a good one in your area. Hech, the Dealer probably would call the mobile guy anyhow to come out!

 

In all probability, the dealer will farm it out to someone else and bill stealership rates. But if your insurance is covering it, I'd go to the dealer. This way if there's any problem, they're the ones who fixed the car and must correct any problem

 

UPDATE: state farm is saying it won't pay for OEM glass! they said they would pay for aftermarket glass in full but if i still wanted OEM glass i have to pay the difference out of pocket!!!!! that's close to $500.00+!!! the fight is on with my agent. god do i hate insurance companies!

thanks for the quick replies guys!

 

This topic has been asked and discussed many times. Just do a search for windshield replacement and you'll come up with multiple threads. Here is one to get you started.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/is-...need-help.html

My suggestion, is that if your insurance company is picking up the bill, you should get the OEM Lexus one and not the aftermarket PPG glass or have a secondary company like Safelite attempt to fix it again etc. It usually takes a day or two for the glass replacement. So take it to Lexus, drop off the IS and get a loaner for a few days. Good luck.

EDIT: Just saw your post, what is your insurance deductable? If it is not that much, I would just pay the difference. OEM Lexus glass is much more better than PPG. How bad is the damage? Is it spreading/cracking into a web yet?

 

i have a $100 deductable. i just don't think i should have to fork over another $500+, for OEM glass. Maybe i'm expecting too much from state farm.

 

What information are you basing this on?

PPG makes a number of front windshields for various OEM makes sold in this country, including flagships and past Lexus vehicles. They also include windshields for varied applications of the IS, specifically those with or without rain sensors. I've had the latter on my car for roughly 2 years now, and no discernable differences or issues.

To the OP, once you go with a reputable make (which you can certainly inspect/research, if necessary), your bigger issue is making sure the install is done correctly. The work of the tech installing the glass is where you're most likely going to find issues, if any, as no matter the quality of glass, improper installation will leave you with unwanted effects.

 

I have PPG glass in my IS... installed by safelight

 

Try to stick with oem if possible. Even though ppg or pilkington makes oem glass they don't make them identically. You'll notice wavy lines on aftermarket glass. You'll get a nice aftermarket windshield if you're lucky.

 

I had my windshield replaced on my old IS350. I'd definitely go with the OEM. Most insurance companies will pay for the OEM if your car is a couple of years old. If they don't cover it, just pay for the difference. It's worth the money.

I got mine done at the dealer which has a collision center that caters Toyota, Lexus and Scion only. Make sure all the seals are new. Good luck.

Terrance

 

It's a piece of glass that blocks out weather and lets you see out...

Can someone explain the big deal of getting oem?

 

I got mine installed at the Lexus dealer and it came out close to $1500 with OEM glass. I paid out of pocket. Luckily my insurance reimbursed me minus my $100 deductible

 

i fought with state farm about this too and didn't want to pay out of pocket so i went with a company they suggested. two windshields later and many repairs to get it right, it was FINALLY done. what a pain in the a@*!

 

When I had my IS350 I had to have the windshield replaced also. I went to safelite place where they replaced the windshield for I wanna say under $400. The thing with non-oem windshields is that I noticed there was slightly more wind noise (no leaks, just suspect the glass was thinner or something) and upon close inspection I noticed the windshield was not perfectly smooth like the OEM. I could see and feel some wave to it when cleaning it.

 

The windshield is actually a bit more critical than that. It functions as both an effective safety item and adds structural rigidity to the frame/roof of the car. OEM, in this respect, is great...but in order to be sold in the US, reputable non-OEM supplied glass from any of the big makes, must also meet the same safety standards. OEM, however, gets marked up mainly because of the Lexus stamp on it.

If you think about it, OEM windshields are mass produced in large volume, to also include replacement parts, which typically drives costs down...and yet, they are exceptionally more expensive than quality windshields made by various OEM makes, who also produce OEM glass for various Toyota/Lexus models, among other brands. For the non-OEM suppliers, they are typically in competition with each other, and so they are forced to offer competitive pricing to not only the marked-up OEM, but also each other. In the case of the IS, they weren't contracted to do the work, and so there is no Lexus badge that can be used as leverage to mark up the price.

There is certainly bad glass out there, but of the manufacturers which sell in the US, the windshields code can be checked for just who its coming from. In a nutshell, the OEM supplier is great and will/should always be recommended, but so are the reputable OEM aftermarket makes, such as the aformentioned PPG. Past that, a bad installer is the thing to watch for, as the vast majority of problems occur with the quality of work/materials.