I need to replace front windshield. After market or OEM? Does anyone have a recommendation?
Windshield for 2000 lx470
- Thread starter scrappyslexus
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Not sure if you're driving a Cruiser or an LX. So, Toyota or Lexus glass if you can swing it. Pilkington glass is an acceptable substitute. My insurance company allows the installer to select the manufacturer. 
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After that, you're generally looking at Chinese glass...some have reported distortion along the edges of the glass. You can find where the glass was manufactured by checking the DOT code on the glass.
Beyond that, make sure the installer replaces windshield moldings per the factory shop manual. I simply called my local Toyota and Lexus dealers and called the same installer they use.
hth
Steve
.After that, you're generally looking at Chinese glass...some have reported distortion along the edges of the glass. You can find where the glass was manufactured by checking the DOT code on the glass.
Beyond that, make sure the installer replaces windshield moldings per the factory shop manual. I simply called my local Toyota and Lexus dealers and called the same installer they use.
hth
Steve
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In short: all attempts to cut corners on my friends' LXes end in OEM upcharge after all. Insurance adjusters recommended glass, dealer recommended installers, Pinkertons, Pilkingtons, whatever it is.. not even close when it comes to optical quality, sound insulation and, most importantly, quick and huge crack lines and chips from highway driving
Just had a new windshield installed on my 2006 LX. This is the 3rd one I've had done. The Lexus dealer quoted me $1650 and said they do not deal with insurance. My insurance company would only cover up to $300 so I went the non oem route this time. The shop I used installed a PGW windshield. It looks and feels exactly the same as the previous oem minus the Lexus logo in the bottom corner. It took the shop about 4 hours to install. He showed me how crappy the dealer installed the last one using screws on one side and rivets on the other along with a bunch of black silicone squirted in there. I dont hear any windnoise from it so i think it come down to a good aftermarket glass and an installer who knows what he is doing.
I'd disagree, anecdotally.
I've had 2 Pilkington's installed on
's '01 LX, and earlier today had the second of 2 replacements installed in my Cruiser...4 all told.None have optical distortion, and I'm 20/20 and 20/15, and wife is 20/20 x2.
I hear no difference in sound insulation...and that may be from the interweb rumor that Lexus OEM glass is thicker than Toyota. That rumor has been noted as fos for a while.
None of the replacements involved "huge crack lines"...all have been replaced for small gravel chips and / or sand erosion. Maybe our gravel is smaller than yours?
I agree on the skill being a primary factor. And I am glad to be wrong, so folks can save on aftermarket pieces. I simply go by my personal experience: 3 aftermarket pieces had to be replaced due to spreading cracks within 2 years max. I-5 corridor, mostly Eugene, OR to Seattle and Vancouver, BC. Highway is 90% (the rest is PDX Metro), and that's when the difference in impact resistance and sound insulation was playing a role. Again, I am only glad to be wrong