Windshield replacement over $1,100?????

jwe8f · 09-05-2007, 06:16 PM

I have a large crack in my windshield, right behind my mirror. The crack is very large -- more than a dollar bill down, then at least another one towards the passenger side (L-shaped). It was caused by a stone, and the entire crack developed right away.

I called the Toyota dealer where I bought my car, and they said a new windshield would cost $953 (!!!), the molding $54, and installation $125. Total cost: $1,132!!!! That's like 5% of the MSRP of a complete new vehicle!!!! You GOT to be kidding.

I read in an old post that there are no 3rd-party suppliers of Prius windshields, but I went on-line to glass.net, and they quoted 3 local shops for $312-321, installed. That doesn't sound like the same supplier to me, but if it is, then my dealer is SERIOUSLY trying to rip me off.

I called my insurance company (Indiana Farm Bureau) and they said the glass could be replaced at the dealer of my choice, for my $100 comprehensive deductible. That is, until I told them my dealer quoted me $1,100! Then they said they would have to ask their home office to approve a repair that is over $800 more expensive than normal, and I would have to come up with some pretty good justification to get them to do so. We do not get zero deductible windshield replacements in Indiana.

I called a local glass shop who quoted me $313-420, also installed (the price varied depending on an additional tint). They said their glass is OEM, and would match what I have now, including the black dots, although I asked them that, and they just said "yes". However, they said it would not have "Toyota" stamped on it.

When I asked my dealer to explain the difference in cost, he simply said the third party glass 'may be different', but offered no further specifics or reasons not to go with them. He even said using a third party would not void any warranties, as they themselves outsource installation (although their parts dept apparently supplies the windshield?) In both cases any problems go back to the windshield dealer.

I can't believe the difference in cost here. Is my Toyota dealer trying to rip me off, or are the other guys going to do a sub-standard job with sub-standard materials? I'm thinking about going the $300 route just to reduce the insurance hassle, but I've heard cheaper windshields are thinner and noisier, so I don't know...

I don't know which way to go, and quite frankly don't like the whole situation much. What POSSIBLY could justify almost a 4-fold difference in cost????

So -- anyone got any good advice/experience on this subject...?

Thanks...

SSimon · 09-05-2007, 06:29 PM

I had a crack in my windshield and my state farm agent told me that windshields cost more than $1,000 typically. I inquired as I was considering paying the whole thing out of pocket as I didn't want it to affect my overall rates. I just got this fixed through State Farm a couple months back. They arranged for a glass shop to come to my office and fix the car on site at my work. About an hour and they're done. I was liable for my deductible.

I now have ANOTHER chip in my windshield and it's not spreading so I'm not fixing it. I figure at the rate I'm going I would fix it and get another chip in a few more months. When I spoke with my dealer again to inquire if repeated glass damage will increase my rates they said that it may affect my deductible, but shouldn't affect my rate.

Your insurance agent should be able to recommend several glass companies with whom they contract out work. This is actually a great means of referral as if they perform poor work, your insurance company won't be continuing to use them.

What is it with this glass anyway? I've owned three other cars and never have had to replace a windshield due to road debris ever.

Sonny Jim · 09-05-2007, 07:12 PM

The windshield on the new Toyota FJ Cruiser is $1,700 to replace, including the moldings and a trim piece that cannot be salvaged during the replacement procedure.

FJ Cruiser owners are also experiencing a high rate of cracked windshields; a non-scientific poll on one of the FJ enthusiasts' website showed that over 32% of owners had replaced (well, at least had damage necessitating a replacement) at least one windshield, and this on a first-year model. Many of them had replaced two or three, and most of the damage occurred on paved roads, not off-roading.

Several theories exist, including a design flaw with the near-vertical windshield design and body flex that increases pressure on the glass. Nothing has been proven, but the poll was interesting. A class-action suit was in the works.

So I am not surprised at the cost to replace a Prius windshield. Yet another reason to lower your comprehensive/glass damage deductible

FL_Prius_Driver · 09-05-2007, 07:26 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jwe8f @ Sep 5 2007, 06:16 PM) [snapback]507532[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

So -- anyone got any good advice/experience on this subject...?

Thanks...
[/b]

Please read this thread:
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...p;hl=windshield

You do not want to end up in the same situation

patsparks · 09-05-2007, 08:18 PM

If it hasn't got Toyota on it, it isn't OEM.
The genuine glass has a UV and infrared reduction built it

jwe8f · 09-05-2007, 08:35 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(FL_Prius_Driver @ Sep 5 2007, 06:26 PM) [snapback]507581[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

Please read this thread:
http://priuschat.com/index.php?showtopic=3...p;hl=windshield

You do not want to end up in the same situation[/b]

Thanks for all the responses so far!

On the link above, one of the most confusing things to me is both the $300 and the $1,100 shops are claiming they're using OEM glass, not aftermarket. Of course since I have a major crack in my 2-year old OEM glass, I can't say I'm impressed with that quality either (heh-heh). I drove my Celica for 20 years without a crack.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patsparks @ Sep 5 2007, 07:18 PM) [snapback]507620[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

If it hasn't got Toyota on it, it isn't OEM.
The genuine glass has a UV and infrared reduction built it[/b]

Does Toyota post-process the glass? If so, do you have a reference to that? That could indeed help! I only found references that say the glass is as you say, but not that the $300 glass isn't. If they do something extra to the glass, that could be the justification I seek.

My impression was they just stamped their part number on the OEM glass...

IsrAmeriPrius · 09-05-2007, 11:40 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jwe8f @ Sep 5 2007, 05:35 PM) [snapback]507634[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

On the link above, one of the most confusing things to me is both the $300 and the $1,100 shops are claiming they're using OEM glass, not aftermarket.[/b]

Almost seven years ago, my wife's then nearly new Dodge Grand Caravan was vandalized and we needed to replace the shattered back window in addition to having body and paint work done. After a long fight with the insurance company, I finally got the adjuster to approve an OEM part only to ultimately discover that the dealers themselves got the part from an independent glass supplier and charged twice as much for it ($900 v. $450). Sure enough, the aftermarket window I got from the same supplier that the dealer used has all the Mopar OEM markings on it and cost half as much.

cvstan · 09-06-2007, 01:10 AM

Just as a point of reference the windshield replacement on my 1991 M5 was about $800 for the whole job. On that car, as in many modern cars, the glass is glued in and is a structural member so it matters if it is OEM or not. Also there are expensive trim pieces that break and add to the cost.
On my 1972 2002tii touring (which has all the glass different than the sedan body), the glass was $230 and the install was $100 plus the cost of the rubber gasket I supplied.
I have not replaced any glass on the Prius yet!

FL_Prius_Driver · 09-06-2007, 07:12 PM

The following companies make Prius glass:
Asahi (DOT-20)
Nippon Sheet Glass (DOT-23)
Thai Safety Glass (DOT-207)

There are quite possibly many more. Just read the DOT code on the corner and go to:
http://www.carwindshields.info/DOT_db.htm

Who made your cracked glass?

patsparks · 09-06-2007, 07:21 PM

If the non original glass isn't marked UV reduction or something similar then the UV reduction isn't there. It isn't a after production process but the sunscreening is built into the glass, in the windscreen it's in the plastic between the 2 layers of glass.
Only glass made for Toyota can have the Toyota markings on it. I would only trust Toyota to provide glass that is OEM, if it isn't marked Toyota how are you going to know?

09-05-2007, 07:12 PM	#3
Sonny Jim Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Newport Beach, CA Posts: 260 My Car: Other Non-Hybrid Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 2	The windshield on the new Toyota FJ Cruiser is $1,700 to replace, including the moldings and a trim piece that cannot be salvaged during the replacement procedure. FJ Cruiser owners are also experiencing a high rate of cracked windshields; a non-scientific poll on one of the FJ enthusiasts' website showed that over 32% of owners had replaced (well, at least had damage necessitating a replacement) at least one windshield, and this on a first-year model. Many of them had replaced two or three, and most of the damage occurred on paved roads, not off-roading. Several theories exist, including a design flaw with the near-vertical windshield design and body flex that increases pressure on the glass. Nothing has been proven, but the poll was interesting. A class-action suit was in the works. So I am not surprised at the cost to replace a Prius windshield. Yet another reason to lower your comprehensive/glass damage deductible __________________ Like one, that on a lonesome road Doth walk in fear and dread, And having once turned round walks on, And turns no more his head ; Because he knows, a frightful fiend Doth close behind him tread.

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09-05-2007, 06:16 PM	#1
jwe8f Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 174 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	I have a large crack in my windshield, right behind my mirror. The crack is very large -- more than a dollar bill down, then at least another one towards the passenger side (L-shaped). It was caused by a stone, and the entire crack developed right away. I called the Toyota dealer where I bought my car, and they said a new windshield would cost $953 (!!!), the molding $54, and installation $125. Total cost: $1,132!!!! That's like 5% of the MSRP of a complete new vehicle!!!! You GOT to be kidding. I read in an old post that there are no 3rd-party suppliers of Prius windshields, but I went on-line to glass.net, and they quoted 3 local shops for $312-321, installed. That doesn't sound like the same supplier to me, but if it is, then my dealer is SERIOUSLY trying to rip me off. I called my insurance company (Indiana Farm Bureau) and they said the glass could be replaced at the dealer of my choice, for my $100 comprehensive deductible. That is, until I told them my dealer quoted me $1,100! Then they said they would have to ask their home office to approve a repair that is over $800 more expensive than normal, and I would have to come up with some pretty good justification to get them to do so. We do not get zero deductible windshield replacements in Indiana. I called a local glass shop who quoted me $313-420, also installed (the price varied depending on an additional tint). They said their glass is OEM, and would match what I have now, including the black dots, although I asked them that, and they just said "yes". However, they said it would not have "Toyota" stamped on it. When I asked my dealer to explain the difference in cost, he simply said the third party glass 'may be different', but offered no further specifics or reasons not to go with them. He even said using a third party would not void any warranties, as they themselves outsource installation (although their parts dept apparently supplies the windshield?) In both cases any problems go back to the windshield dealer. I can't believe the difference in cost here. Is my Toyota dealer trying to rip me off, or are the other guys going to do a sub-standard job with sub-standard materials? I'm thinking about going the $300 route just to reduce the insurance hassle, but I've heard cheaper windshields are thinner and noisier, so I don't know... I don't know which way to go, and quite frankly don't like the whole situation much. What POSSIBLY could justify almost a 4-fold difference in cost???? So -- anyone got any good advice/experience on this subject...? Thanks...

09-05-2007, 06:29 PM	#2
SSimon Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: N/W of Chicago Posts: 1,319 My Car: 2006 Prius Model: Package: #4 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 3 Posts Friends: 3	I had a crack in my windshield and my state farm agent told me that windshields cost more than $1,000 typically. I inquired as I was considering paying the whole thing out of pocket as I didn't want it to affect my overall rates. I just got this fixed through State Farm a couple months back. They arranged for a glass shop to come to my office and fix the car on site at my work. About an hour and they're done. I was liable for my deductible. I now have ANOTHER chip in my windshield and it's not spreading so I'm not fixing it. I figure at the rate I'm going I would fix it and get another chip in a few more months. When I spoke with my dealer again to inquire if repeated glass damage will increase my rates they said that it may affect my deductible, but shouldn't affect my rate. Your insurance agent should be able to recommend several glass companies with whom they contract out work. This is actually a great means of referral as if they perform poor work, your insurance company won't be continuing to use them. What is it with this glass anyway? I've owned three other cars and never have had to replace a windshield due to road debris ever.

09-05-2007, 08:18 PM	#5
patsparks An Aussie perspective Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Adelaide South Australia Posts: 9,272 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 133 Thanked 185 Times in 143 Posts Friends: 33	If it hasn't got Toyota on it, it isn't OEM. The genuine glass has a UV and infrared reduction built it

09-06-2007, 01:10 AM	#8
cvstan Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 16 My Car: Model: Package: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts Friends: 0	Just as a point of reference the windshield replacement on my 1991 M5 was about $800 for the whole job. On that car, as in many modern cars, the glass is glued in and is a structural member so it matters if it is OEM or not. Also there are expensive trim pieces that break and add to the cost. On my 1972 2002tii touring (which has all the glass different than the sedan body), the glass was $230 and the install was $100 plus the cost of the rubber gasket I supplied. I have not replaced any glass on the Prius yet!

09-06-2007, 07:12 PM	#9
FL_Prius_Driver Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa Bay Posts: 1,845 My Car: 2001 Prius Model: Package: N/A Thanks: 4 Thanked 17 Times in 16 Posts Friends: 2	The following companies make Prius glass: Asahi (DOT-20) Nippon Sheet Glass (DOT-23) Thai Safety Glass (DOT-207) There are quite possibly many more. Just read the DOT code on the corner and go to: http://www.carwindshields.info/DOT_db.htm Who made your cracked glass?

09-06-2007, 07:21 PM	#10
patsparks An Aussie perspective Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Adelaide South Australia Posts: 9,272 My Car: 2004 Prius Model: N/A Package: Base Thanks: 133 Thanked 185 Times in 143 Posts Friends: 33	If the non original glass isn't marked UV reduction or something similar then the UV reduction isn't there. It isn't a after production process but the sunscreening is built into the glass, in the windscreen it's in the plastic between the 2 layers of glass. Only glass made for Toyota can have the Toyota markings on it. I would only trust Toyota to provide glass that is OEM, if it isn't marked Toyota how are you going to know?