We reported back in October that the FJ cruiser had a small ding in the front windshield. At the time, the dealer quoted us a staggering $1,400 for replacement. Because the blemish was so small, we opted instead to have the hole plugged. It has lasted us several months...
But this weekend I noticed a rather large crack on the right side of the window. It looks like it originated from a different spot, but managed to work its way over to the original blotch. It looks much larger in these photos than it does in person. The FJ's front windshield is huge. The window was sorta dirty when I hopped in on Friday so I didn't even notice it right away. But when I cleaned the window, I noticed the damage.
Looks like we'll be springing for a new windshield. Hopefully, we can find someone to repair it for less than $1,400.
Managing Editor Donna DeRosa @ 24,867 miles.
boxermike says:
12:14 PM, 04/30/07
Wait, your ins. doesn't cover windshileds? Suckers!
thebigal says:
11:56 PM, 04/30/07
$1400 for a windshield! Ouchy Ouch. Especially when the average windshield costs around $200...
metalphoenix79 says:
09:30 AM, 05/ 1/07
I heard that it is pretty common and that it is because of the angle of the windshield.
bimmerjay says:
12:22 PM, 05/ 1/07
The $200 cost is for aftermarket glass. My former Mazda6's windshield was $230 or so from Safelite with their glass, if I had them use OEM it would have been around $800. I was able to compare the two removed from the car, and the OEM glass is much thicker.
IMHO, the OEM glass resists chips and cracks far better. My BMW's OEM windshield has taken a couple smacks and still has no noticeable blemishes.
I wonder about safety from a serious impact as well - OEM windshields have a certain laminate strength that resists penetration into the cabin. I don't know if the aftermarkets hold up to the same standard, given that their glass is already thinner to begin with.
british_rover says:
10:32 AM, 05/ 2/07
Wow 1,400 bucks and it is not even a heated windshield. Does it have a rain sensor built in?
tinyred says:
08:08 PM, 05/ 7/07
Edmunds is in for a shock, the total windshield replacement cost will actually be closer to $1,700, as the glass itself is $1,100 and a molding piece that must be removed during the replacement cannot be salvaged and must be replaced. I lowered my insurance deductible to $50 after my first cracked windshield.