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My 2009 Prius Windshield has developed a big crack, Please Help.

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by ashb, May 22, 2014.

  1. ashb

    ashb Junior Member

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    Hello,

    My 2009 Prius Windshield had developed a big crack. I called couple of places, they have given me a quote for 250 to 280 $ even without claiming insurance. So, money is not a problem. However, I was told that if I insist on glass with “Toyota” written on it, it will cost exorbitant amount.

    My concerns are,

    1. Will the windshield these guys install as well as Toyota OEM glass? They have told me they will be installing PWG or Pilkington glass.

    2. I know the original Prius glass comes with solar protection (protection from UV) and with the natural tinting, how do I make sure that the new glass will also be of the same specification?

    Please advise if there are any read flags that I should lookout for.


    Thanks for reading this post
    Regards

    AB
     
  2. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    I have not installed new glass on my Prius. However, in my experience, because of safety regulations, all glass will be as safe as the original.

    As for original tinting, you need to ask the glass place about that. And I would call ALL the glass places and ask about tint, etc. And, for the hell of it, did you call the Toyota dealer? Every once in a while, they can surprise you. Or they could recommend a place.

    And, it might just be worth your "peace of mind" to have them do it (not to me, but, that is a different story...).

    Also, as another option, although it might not save much, some local junkyards will install glass from a wrecked vehicle for you....that way you would get the original glass.

    finally, the actual install skill is the important thing. As I said, the glass will be safe, no matter, (although it might not have the same tint). So, check the glass place's google rating and yelp rating.

    Again, a junkyard might be a viable option. Even if they will not install, they might be able to sell you the glass and recommend a local glass place that would install.
     
    bisco likes this.
  3. ashb

    ashb Junior Member

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    Excellent suggestion about the Junk Yard, I will find out if there are any Junk yards around.

    No, I did not call Toyota. I did talk to a dealer. I will call Toyota as well.

    As far as the installers, I did get reference from my mechanic I trust. So, I think I have good guy there. I will check the Yelp rating though.
     
  4. northwichita

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    I bought an aftermarket windshield , and asked to look at it before it was installed. It was tinted like the original, and not obvious distortion. Total was around $ 160, a very good deal. Price of course varies with location...
     
  5. xliderider

    xliderider Senior Member

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    Paid about $400 for our aftermarket windshield.

    SCH-I535
     
  6. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    Curiosity....I can check the local wrecking yards inventory online and my local place wants $80-$100 for a Prius windshield.

    So, figuring another 100-150 to install, you probably would do O.K., but as previous posters said, prices vary, and from what I heard, you can do better at my local yard by haggling....never tried it.
     
  7. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Most insurance companies cover windshield damage for free. Your rates won't go up either

    SM-N900P ?
     
  8. gadgets2sell

    gadgets2sell Junior Member

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    On my third if you count the original. Non toyota version came with tint bar across the top, my original did not. Other than not being rock proof I have no complaints. 240 with tax installed.

    Chuck


    iPhone ?
     
  9. kenoarto

    kenoarto Senior Member

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    new glass is always clearer than old
     
  10. edthefox5

    edthefox5 Senior Member

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    Not sure of other states but Florida for instance only covers windshields if you have collision. If you only have pip on the car they will not.

    And I like Cyber's recommendation about getting an oem original. I have had an aftermarket windshield and they weren't even close to the oem glass quality. Not surprised as oem glass is expensive. Prius has a pretty big windshield
    with high quality UV protection in it.

    Only issue with used glass is finding a competent person to install it. They are not easy to install diy and one of the few things I would not attempt on the car.
     
  11. ashb

    ashb Junior Member

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    Can you please tell me what glass they installed that you are not happy with? Couple of guys I spoke to suggested they will installing PWG or Pilkington glass.
     
  12. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Pilkington is usa glass, pwg is imported. I have 2 cars with pilkington, quite happy with the quality. I find Imported glass to be lower quality and hard to clean.

    SM-N900P ?
     
  13. ashb

    ashb Junior Member

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    Did it still have UV protection rating?
     
  14. ashb

    ashb Junior Member

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    Do you know what brand it was? PWG or Pilkington?
     
  15. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    Interesting you feel imported glass is lower in quality, hum.....Pilkington is British not American, and is used in many European cars.
     
  16. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    I didn't know that, I was told by the glass shop pilkington is usa glass.

    Anyways, import glass from China is definitely lower quality. Been there, done that

    SM-N900P ?
     
  17. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    I would be concern using this glass shop. They should know that Pilkington is one of the oldest glass manufactures in the world for buildings and Automotive.
     
  18. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    Here in Southern California, the glass shops are a dime a dozen. They keep pushing cheap glass to compete. Many won't even offer Pilkington, unless you ask for it. I wouldn't be surprised they don't know the brand history, just they know it's not chinese glass
     
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  19. orenji

    orenji Senior Member

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    I would stick with Toyota glass, insurance will cover, minus your portion. When you get in an accident, do you ask for aftermarket parts? You want OEM parts.
     
  20. ashb

    ashb Junior Member

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    Is going to dealer (other than getting it from junkyard) only way of getting OEM glass?