A rock chipped my windshield & it cracked >8 inches before I could deal with it. I asked for a quote to replace from the dealer when I took it in for the 15000 mile service.

WOW! $1200 for the windshield, $80 to install!

Any suggestions on alternatives? This dealer is usually pretty reasonable - the 15K service was only $40.

A rock-chipped windshield should be covered by your comprehensive insurance coverage. In some states that is mandatory zero-deductible, but since you are only responsible for the deductible (if you have one) who cares if it costs even $5000?

I have no idea on alternatives. I respond simply to note that auto insurance often includes low cost or no cost glass damage repair/replacement. Might be worth checking, if you haven't already.

No insurance coverage for that? I got my crack before my first oil change, but here I think windshield replacement is covered by comprehensive....

I would not check with the dealer. That is the most expensive place you could possibly go.

Check with an auto glass business in your area. There should be several in the phone book who will give you free quotes.

If you tell them you are paying cash and not going through insurance they will probably give you their "best" price.

Insurance or no insurance make sure that you specify that you want OEM glass. Third party glass is cheaper and there is (usually) a reason - it's lower quality.

I would much prefer that a auto glass company replace my windshield vs. dealer. I can't imagine that the dealer replaces many...

Scott

The windshield is some special noise-blocking glass that contributes to the quiet ride. Probably why it is so expensive. It might be possible to use standard glass, such as in the non-hybrid Camrys.

Then again, I just saw this thread http://greenhybrid.com/discuss/showthread.php?t=14239

Yeah I'd say go with the appropriate glass for the model. Hopefully you can offset it (and if it weren't so large, might be possible to repair rather than replace?), but there could be reasons beyond the aesthetic of a quiet ride for using that particular glass as a basic feature. Such as reducing noise from the engine/brakes that might need muffling, or...

I guess that might even be an interesting question for the 2008 TCH thread--is the acoustic-dampening glass an intrinsic part of the model even when it's stripped down, or does it become more of an option in any circumstances? I have no clue what (of the ones that make any sense to ask) extra features on the 07 are there for safety requirements and what are just special features.

CAMRHEE Hybrid
Completed Mods: RK-Sport body kit, 18" LexusGS430 wheels 235/50ZR18 tires, TRD/SE springs, Rear Lip Spoiler, Terk XM-Direct, Smoked tail lights, Sliding Armrest, Rear Bumper Applique, Front License Bracket, Lower Grill chrome inserts, K&N, Blaupunkt THB200A sub, moved rear HSD emblem
Future Mods: fog lights, black chrome my wheels

http://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fil...fterFront4.JPG