Does anyone have any experience with glass america for windshield replacements?

[burning oil]

Tried making an appointment with a local glass company with excellent reviews for a windshield replacement on my 02 Tacoma. Was quoted $235 for Pilkington glass replacement which I was happy with..went to make an appointment and found out they outsource their windshield replacements to glass america which has 2 locations in my area but both have very mixed reviews

 

[rijndael]

The installer matters more than the chain under which they operate.

 

[SShooterZ]

The installer matters more than the chain under which they operate.

100% accurate. We had a Safelite repair and the first installer installed the windshield a touch off center. Had to have a different Safelite person come out and replace it and install another new windshield correctly. Total PITA.

 

[edyvw]

Tried making an appointment with a local glass company with excellent reviews for a windshield replacement on my 02 Tacoma. Was quoted $235 for Pilkington glass replacement which I was happy with..went to make an appointment and found out they outsource their windshield replacements to glass america which has 2 locations in my area but both have very mixed reviews

They are OK. Not as organized as Safelite, but do their work.

 

[burning oil]

The installer matters more than the chain under which they operate.

What I'm afraid of. Seems like a flip of a coin on who you will get. They said it comes with a lifetime warranty for air and water leaks, but some reviews mentioned having problems getting them back out for a warranty job.

 

[burning oil]

They are OK. Not as organized as Safelite, but do their work.

They were quite a bit cheaper than the quote I got from Safelite and not sure what glass Safelite would use.

 

[edyvw]

They were quite a bit cheaper than the quote I got from Safelite and not sure what glass Safelite would use.

I used both when I had VW Atlas that had windshield issues. But I have a $0 deductible, so not sure who was cheaper for State Farm.
I think Glass of America used Pilkington and PGW as I used them twice.

 

[Kira]

I'm experiencing the local v. Safelite selection experience at the moment.

In my case, there is a finishing piece of plastic at the lower left and right corners.
The Safelite guy knew about them and had no problem at all with me sourcing the 2 vehicle specific pieces.

The local guy looked at the weathered, cracked original corners and seemed unable to understand that the corners were not attached to the trim piece which go up the A-pillar.

It's not too dire a situation.

Ha...what's a windshield cost at a Volvo dealership?

 

[burning oil]

Safelite in my area has downright terrible reviews lol.

 

[GaryMX5]

They were quite a bit cheaper than the quote I got from Safelite and not sure what glass Safelite would use.

Safelite has glass manufactured for them. Probably from one of Fuyao's plants here in the US. They are a monster Chinese glass company (60 minutes featured them in one of their programs some time ago). They manufacture glass for pretty near every car company in the US (as well as around the world). My last two replacement windshields had Safelite logos in the corner

 

[edyvw]

Safelite has glass manufactured for them. Probably from one of Fuyao's plants here in the US. They are a monster Chinese glass company (60 minutes featured them in one of their programs some time ago). They manufacture glass for pretty near every car company in the US (as well as around the world). My last two replacement windshields had Safelite logos in the corner

Safelite carries everything. I have seen them doing Fuyao, PGW, Pilkington, United etc. On my cars they installed once Fuyao and once PGW.

 

[4wd]

I use a small place that’s been in business for decades. They stay small for a reason - and you have to schedule replacements - but, repairs can be drive up …

 

[dishdude]

I've never had a problem with Safelite. The one time I strayed from them, it was a disaster.

 

[VWRand]

I'm experiencing the local v. Safelite selection experience at the moment.

In my case, there is a finishing piece of plastic at the lower left and right corners.
The Safelite guy knew about them and had no problem at all with me sourcing the 2 vehicle specific pieces.

The local guy looked at the weathered, cracked original corners and seemed unable to understand that the corners were not attached to the trim piece which go up the A-pillar.

It's not too dire a situation.

Ha...what's a windshield cost at a Volvo dealership?

The Volvo dealership is most likely going to outsource it too.

 

[VWRand]

Safelite has glass manufactured for them. Probably from one of Fuyao's plants here in the US. They are a monster Chinese glass company (60 minutes featured them in one of their programs some time ago). They manufacture glass for pretty near every car company in the US (as well as around the world). My last two replacement windshields had Safelite logos in the corner

At one time they manufactured most of their own glass, I believe they stopped doing so and just buy it now from one of the others.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I use a small place that’s been in business for decades. They stay small for a reason - and you have to schedule replacements - but, repairs can be drive up …

We had a place like this. They were awesome. They got too big and safelite bought them.

 

[walterjay]

I have used Safelite three times. Always good work......at least with my location.

 

[burning oil]

I use a small place that’s been in business for decades. They stay small for a reason - and you have to schedule replacements - but, repairs can be drive up …

There are a couple of places in the area like this, but their prices are way higher than the $235 quote from glass America. This isn't a daily driver and the windshield doesn't absolutely have to be replaced so I will continue to weigh my options.

 

[CKN]

I'm experiencing the local v. Safelite selection experience at the moment.

In my case, there is a finishing piece of plastic at the lower left and right corners.
The Safelite guy knew about them and had no problem at all with me sourcing the 2 vehicle specific pieces.

The local guy looked at the weathered, cracked original corners and seemed unable to understand that the corners were not attached to the trim piece which go up the A-pillar.

It's not too dire a situation.

Ha...what's a windshield cost at a Volvo dealership?

I got a letter from Volvo. They were insistent on Volvo spec'ed glass If I needed a windshield. Otherwise you can kiss any safety system warranties that relies on working with the wind shield goodbye-or any water damage caused by a leaky windshield.
That's the only after market warranty I purchased. Glass coverage.

It's the same with bodywork. If you use a Volvo authorized body shop-your warranties remain intact-if you don't -good luck.

I would assume any other "luxury" manufacturers are the same.

 

[Kira]

Mine being a 2007 weaned from warranty a long time ago.

The local glass man said supplies come from mostly one place now and that even dealerships use run of the mill.
I didn't doubt him as he'll see no difference in work/payment and, with me being local, probably wants to satisfy easy going, schedulable customers.

I don't doubt that Volvo glass is better.