I need to replace my front windshield on my IS350 because of a crack in the glass. Lexus is quoting me about $1300 for a new windshield. The contractor my Lexus dealer uses to install the windshield is telling me that I can buy a windshield for $300 from him. He says the windshield is identical to the Lexus windshield in every way, except, it just does not have the Lexus stamp on it.

Can anyone give me feedback on whether or not an aftermarket windshield is as good as a genuine Lexus windshield?

Thanks.

 

My experience is that aftermarket windshield is not the same quality as OEM. That is what I noticed on my previous vehicle. I only had to pay $100.00 deductible and the insurance took care of the rest.

 

I have an aftermarket windshield on mine and it is fine. I think if you wanted Lexus glass you can get it from sewell for around $500 and just have that guy charge you labor to install.

 

I don't know if the oem windshield is better or not but the aftermarket windshields do have to pass Gov testing.
Pilkington is said to be a decent one.
If I was paying for a windshield,I don't the oem is worth $1K more.

 

Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately, I have a $500 deductible. If I had only a $100 deductible, I would definitely go with the Lexus OEM windshield for sure.

 

Good idea. Had not thought of that. I will check into that. Hopefully, shipping to southern California would be reasonable.

 

That is basically what the installer told me too. That the windshields all have to meet the same government standards.

So, my thinking right now is that if the fit and finish of the windshield is as good as OEM, then I think saving $1000 by going with the aftermarket windshield makes better economic sense.

 

With CL discount,Sewell gets $670 and $787 + shipping depending on option pkg.


http://is.sewellparts.com/oem-catalo...S350-2010.html

 

I have a Pilkington windshield and don't have any complaints. Stuff hits and chips it but that happens with any windshield.

There is a little bit of wind noise but I drive with the windows down so often I don't care. And when I'm not music drowns out the noise.

 

The little bit of wind noise is more about the installation than windshield.

 

Yep, exactly. As long as the guy installing it knows what he's doing the OP should be fine.

 

I bought my car used and it came with a Pilkington windshield. No complaints but I never had the OEM one so I can't compare. However, I replaced my rear window from OEM to Pilkington and quality seems about the same. Wish it said "Lexus" on it tho.

 

One thing though.
Are the IS windshields acoustic glass?

 

I can recommend PPG OEM style glass, it is great quality, I cannot tell the difference. There is no distortion or anything. except where it says Lexus, it says PPG or something.

Don't get the Lexus glass - cost too much and will likely crack again anyway.

 

Maybe so, but that doesn't mean they are all the same. I've been dissatisfied with the two non-OEM windshields I've had (one on an Audi, another on a Honda). One had optical distortion, the other was fine when installed but started to look like it was sand-blasted after driving it for a year. Since then, I've always specified OEM glass when replacing a windshield. I have $100 comprehensive deductible, so getting the better glass doesn't cost me any more.