After reading horror stories about windshield replacements gone wrong (broken glass everywhere, wavy glass, incorrect seals, leaks etc.) can anyone recommend a place to get a prius windshield replaced in N. Va that really knows what they are doing. I know that most dealers don't replace glass and just send people to whatever glass company has taken the service manager out to lunch recently. I'd be happy to pay more to have it done correctly by someone who uses the right parts and knows what they are doing. Thanks for any suggestions.
I have Erie insurance, and their glass coverage is administered by Safelite Auto Glass. While I'm free to use anyone, it's less hassle to just use them. I've had one repair and one replacement, and they did a good job on both in the Manassas shop. The replacement was in an '08 Highlander Hybrid, and OEM glass was all that was available. Initially they received the wrong windshield, but discovered it before removing the old one. I had to reschedule the appointment after they received the new glass, but it was no big deal.
Glass from the toyota Parts Ddept. costs $950+ labor. Glass installers sell glass from Pilkington and PPG and Safelite for around $300. I've heard that pilkington sometimes supplies OEM to toyota. It seems stupid to pay $900 to toyota parts dept. if there is a non OEM part that is just as good. I think Pilkington may be just as good since they also supply some OEM (although Ashahi DOT-20 seems to be the OEM for most Prius 04-05). Any other suggestions for glass in the N. Va area?
to answer my own question, Safelite in Sterling seemed ok. more info posted in the main windshield thread.
