Windshield Replacement

I need a new windshield. I've used Safelite Auto Glass in the past, so I'm thinking about using them for this job. How do in ensure they use the exact same windshield that I currently have in my '07 Taco? I want to make sure I get the one with the black mesh type stuff that's along the edges and at the top above the rear view mirror.

 

They probably have several suppliers, I would call and ask them. Maybe find the local office number and send them a picture and see what they say.

 

You have to tell them you want an EXACT OEM replacment.

If you can contact Toyota (or someone) to get the windshield information - so you can verify what Safelite is giving you.

We had a similar situation with our Corvette where the windshield has to be OEM replacement in order for the HUD to work. We found out the windshield info and told Safelite it needed to be that type. Took a little longer for them to get it in...but they handled the situation just fine.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the help.

 

had safelite install windshield on my 2014 when i had it, had 80 miles on it and a rock flew up and put a ding in it, 2 weeks later it cracked all the wau across the whole windshield,,, safelite was alittle over 300.00 for exact same windshield,, dealer wanted 1300.00,,, yea, 1300.00 WTF

 

If you are paying out of pocket for the windshield ,there are better less expensive companies in the area.Family Auto Glass was 60% less than Safelite.

 

I think safelite is a little on the high side of windshield replacements.

 

Safelite has a liscence to steal IMO. Total waste of money, use another company.

 

Like any other franchise, a local business is only as good as the people working there. I've used Safelite several times over the last 10+ years and have never had an issue. The main reason I want to stay with this is that several years ago, they attempted a repair to my current windshield. Due to the type/location of the damage, we knew that eventually, it would crack and require a total replacement.

That's where I'm at right now. This repair from several years ago has failed and it's time for a new windshield. By using Safelite, I'm able to get the cost of that repair applied to the windshield replacement job.

My main concern, as stated, is I want the exact windshield that I have in there now, not some aftermarket or "this is pretty damn close" glass/windshield. Shortly, I'll call my dealer to get a part number and quote for the exact replacement WS and take it from there.

 

Damn. Just talked to the Parts Dept of my dealer. List price for the OEM replacement windshield for my '07 Tacoma is $1170.56, just for the glass. Installation is additional. Part number is 56101-04021.

Considering I can get the entire job done by Safelite, using whatever windshield/glass, for less than $500, should I really continue to pursue using this OEM Toyota glass?

 

Using Safelite's online quoting system, a total replacement using whatever they use would be $268.95 and they claim a "Nationwide lifetime guarentee". Why would I not want to go this route?

 

I've always used J.N. Phillips and they have always used OEM glass without me even mentioning it or caring.

But, I think they are a New England only company.

 

No way was that the exact same windshield. Safelite may tell you that, just to sell their glass.

 

I would , as long as it has the green bar on top and gets installed correctly it's all DOT approved so there shouldn't be a huge difference

mine has a tiny rock chip in the middle, but no cracks (yet)

 

I take it your state doesn't require insurance companies to replace windshields at no deductible. Besides, don't all windshields have to meet a DOT standard?

 

I've had 3 replaced in 7.5 years. All by safelite. All covered by insurance. Liberty Mutual will pay for OEM during the first year of a brand new vehicle. After that it's aftermarket. The first 2 i had replaced were within that first year, so they were both OEM Toyota because i specifically requested OEM. I had another replacement less than 2 weeks ago, it was aftermarket. It has the mesh behind the mirror that you mention. The cost on the receipt was around $375, but insurance covered it.

 

I had never thought to contact my insurance company (Geico). Assuming they did a no deductible claim on this, would they use this as a ding on my claims record and up my policy costs at the next renewal because of it?

 

Green bar on top? Not sure what this means.

 

Thanks. That eases my mind a bit. I just can't see paying that much extra for OEM, especially if I'm getting a lifetime guarantee with what SL is offering.

 

the green strip to keep the sun out of your eyes