Expensive to replace cracked car windshield

[WannaBe]

I was driving behind a truck, and it kicked up a pebble. My windshield now has a huge crack. The dealer quote was $940 + tax for OEM glass. Canadian Tire quote was $325 plus tax for non-OEM glass.

My car's old, so I don't see the point of investing in OEM glass. However, I don't want to waste my money of non-OEM glass if it won't do the job. Has anyone had experience with Canadian Tire non-OEM windshield glass? Was it worth it?

[win-star]

wrong section to ask in.

go to one of those independent autoshop or autoshops specialized in replacing windshields.

Never ever go to canadian tire to service your car, even if it's a junk car that is still drive able

[nsx]

Moved from "Off Topic" to "Motor Vehicles & Accessories".

[User Name]

$940 is a bit much. I've had to replace 2 windshields in the past, one on a 2001 Honda Prelude for $220 (replaced in 2005), and another on a 2005 Land Rover for $680 (replaced in 2007). The Land Rover cost more because I had to buy a windshield with defrost built in.

I was driving behind a truck, and it kicked up a pebble. My windshield now has a huge crack. The dealer quote was $940 + tax for OEM glass. Canadian Tire quote was $325 plus tax for non-OEM glass.

My car's old, so I don't see the point of investing in OEM glass. However, I don't want to waste my money of non-OEM glass if it won't do the job. Has anyone had experience with Canadian Tire non-OEM windshield glass? Was it worth it?

[quanvn]

I would find a place that specializes in windshields such as Speedy and Apple Auto Glass, I think they have OEM windshields also, or just go to an independant windshield shop, I wouldn't go to Canadian Tire to get that done, they basically don't specialize in anything IMO.

[number8888]

When my front windshield was cracked I went to Apple Auto glass. Think it was ~300 to replace it on a 2001 Civic. I would definitely go to Speedy or Apple instead of CT to get it done.

I think you can claim the cost through your insurance if you don't want to pay for it. Check your policy.

[Pete_Coach]

Go to any auto glass shop, tell them you cannot go through insurance, will they do it for cash? I have had a windshield replaced on a Ford Taurus (a big windshield) for $250 cash.
Shop around, you don't have to take the first offer.

[thelefteyeguy]

Jams Auto Glass Worx

ask for Jonathon

416 451-9679

(highly recommended...he does a lot of BMW windshields...got my Suburu outback (oem glass) done with heating coil...only $300; he will come directly to your house/work/condo and works on Saturdays)

[WannaBe]

Thanks for the tips everyone!

[leonkaz]

Jams Auto Glass Worx 

ask for Jonathon

416 451-9679

thanks, perfect timing. i've been looking for a place.

I have a question though to all the people who replaced their windshields.

Is there any difference between OEM, non-OEM, NA made and Chineese glass?
Other than the price, of course.
My truck is 96 and while I am trying to keep it in good shape, I avoid investing
too much in it. If there are no optical or reliability diff - I'd buy the cheapest.


Thanks

[tyfriend]

Just call around. I've had shops ask me what kinds of quotes I was getting and told them and they always said they would do it cheaper. I dont want to get into any ethics or anything but you can always tell them a price you had in mind and they will probably honor it.