Rear Broken Window, ASAP Help

[lojeff]

I broke my rear window last night. I cannot believe how expensive. I got a quote for $650 from the dealer that can be installed tomorrow if I call them by 3:00 this afternoon. I also called Safelite and they can do it at my office parking lot on Monday for $510.

Any thoughts on Safelite. I have used them for a windshield and thought they did an OK job but I only kept that car another 6 months. I really don't know how long it lasted/wore. I was just afraid of differences from OEM with defroster, rear wiper and opening/closing glass.

If I want to get it done at the dealer tomorrow, I have to decide quickly. Any thoughts???

 

[sharp4runr]

Did you call your insuarance to see if they would cover it? I have Statefarm and they did the windshield with $0 deductible but I don't know if most insuarances would cover the rear window the same.

Safelite replaced my front window with Toyota OEM glass (though it was made by Lamipane instead of Temperlite, but still stamped Toyota)

 

[lojeff]

They said the deductible would apply. $500.

 

[toybox]

I did this in my '86 4Runner and also found the glass VERY expensive. Even back then I think it was around the same price. I found a glass installer who would also find and install used glass from a salvage yard and it was $350.

 

[lojeff]

How did you break the glass??

When you got the price quotes, did you ask how much was for the glass and how much was labor to install it?

Installing the rear glass can be time consuming, but it's a relatively easy job because it basically clamps into a track inside the rear hatch. Anyone with a few basic hand tools can do it.

If you decide to let the professionals handle it, I wouldn't even think twice about the Safelite glass. They carry high-quality glass and usually do an excellent job. You might even get an exact factory replacement. Did you ask them about their replacement glass?

Don't worry too much about the defroster.....it should work exactly the same. And the rear windshield wiper will not be affected in any way.

I was moving a bunch of stuff including a large air compressor. It must have edged forward when I hit the brakes and then fell backwards into the rear window when I accelerated at a stop sign. Hundreds of pieces of glass. Some in the cargo area, some on the street and some still stuck in the liftgate.

Both of the quotes above include parts and labor but not tax. I didn't get a split between parts and labor. Any other time of the year, I might try it but I cannot see myself finding a free morning or afternoon until the new year.

The person I talked to at Safelite wasn't completely helpful. He said it would have the defroster on it and would be tinted. I asked if the tink would match and if the defroster was built into the glass but he didn't have that information.

 

[LSUMBA]

I have had a Safelite replacement windshield on my 4Runner for about a year now & I have had no issues with it. I would not hesitate to use them again.

 

[lojeff]

Update:

I talked to my insurance company and although I would have to pay a $500 deductible first, as a policyholder I would be eligible to receive the discounted rates with their contracted glass companies.

Safelite would be $475 + tax
and
Diamond Glass (NJ) would be $375 + tax

both companies do not use OEM but come with a lifetime warranty. They both said the thickness and other specs match OEM. The tint is maker specific so there will be no difference between side and rear window.

With the Christmas bills on the way, I think I am going with price and using Diamond Glass. They can do it tomorrow as well.

 

[toy4runner]

I broke my rear window in november the same way you did.
I have new glass installed by Quality auto glass Inc. in south plainfield NJ. for 450.00 +tax
They did a bad job. they scratch the paint when they put the window in.I wouldn't use them again
I hope your truck come out better than mine

 

[otterball21]

Hey... on my old truck.. I used diamond Auto glass.... I live in jersey too.. central jersey. They do good work.. .. However MAKE SURE TO INSPECT THE GLASS!

I had them replace my windshield two times because they kept giving me one with defects in it!

But they don't charge if there is a defect in it! they replace it once the glue dried and they could pull it off....

First defect looked like there was a scratch in the glass... second one.. there were bubbles in the plastic sheeting where the two glass sides were pressed onto it...


so just inspect it... their quality of work.. is excellent though.. very courteous and ontime.... my mom didn't believe that the comprehensive coverage made the windshield to end up not costing a penny...

 

[lojeff]

Update:

I had it done by Diamond Glass. They completed it in about 1.5 hours at the promised price. The tint matched perfectly and the rear defroster works great. Two minor issues:

1) window appears to go up and down a little bit slower than with the factory glass. I can live with it but I just hope it is not a sign of an internal problem.

2) I miss the special window treatment with the OEM glass. I used to do a quick flip with the wiper and the back was all clear. Now, I need to let it run for a while and use more wiper fluid. I used aquapel on it and it now works more like the OEM. I just hope I don't have to re-apply too often.

Only 2 issues to complain about but I did save $300 vs Dealer.

 

[kimboy]

If you're still under 36K miles go back to the dealer and say there's some rattling going on w/ the rear door. Have them check the clips and harness and if necessary the mechanism that moves the glass up and down. This should be covered under a basic warranty. *hopefully with a lot less hassel that I got

When safelite changed my rear drivers side door, they did a poor job of fastening all the clips, and the window switch fell into the door. Toyota was nice enough to recheck everything and put the blame to safelite. The dealer can complain as much as they want, but they better honor their warranty.