2002 jaguar XJ8 with a very pitted windshield

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. I see that lots of independent businesses replace windshields for approx $2-300. Is it safe to use these guys?..
My model does not have the rain sensor, so it should be easy for them to do it correctly....right?

Thank you in advance for all your help

 

Nothing special about the Jag glass replacement.

I would price out the factory glass, just to see what the price difference is -- occasionally ......I have been surprised with the small difference.


Normally on windshields I go with a quality US made glass -- make sure they are not using Chinese glass! I normally go with OE on the side glass as the color match is more important.


I had a Lexus done a few months ago for about $200.00 using US glass. I have done my Porsche SUV twice in the past two years -- one with factory the second with US. The factory was only $150.00 more - but it was not worth the hassle of ordering it ....... and it had a flaw

 

1998 XJ8L replaced by Safelite for $189 (7 years ago). I was very happy with it. It came with a darkened band across the top that the Jag windshield did not have, it was strange at first, but I liked it better that way after having it and buying another Jaguar without it...

 

Hello
The msrp part price for the front windshield glass is $670 discounted down to $502 per Gaudin Jaguar Parts website.

The "Auto Glass by Windshields to Go USA" has it as an installed price of $222 (free mobile service). I have no experience using this company.

Here is their website address link:
Auto Glass by Windshields To Go USA

I found 2 customer reviews on this company - the first one give them 5 stars and were very happy with the prompt service and the work that was done.

The second review is from a person who did not even use the company's service. They have them a 1 star because they thought that the company claims "to be available in cities" that they are not and No "service was available in a city they claimed to serve".

Here is the link to these reviews:
Reviews for Windshields To Go USA Inc - Automobile Glass and Windshield Repair Service - Pismo Beach, CA

Also
Does your windshield have any small cracks or rock damage from trucks dropping small rocks or from the highway? If you have full glass coverage on auto insurance policy, then when you have your windshield replaced it will be charged to the insurance company.

Jim Lombardi

 

As Jim stated... if you have full coverage &/or low deductible it'll be @ no cost to you.

 

Apparently, the chain autoglass places can do Jaguars as routine. I was surprised at this, but it is true, and the price is certainly better.

 

Wow,

Thank you guys

As always, I'm getting excellent advice in a very timely fashion on this board.




I'm going to call a local place today and I'll check on my insurance.

 

I had mine replaced by a reputable company here in Canada, and they said the only windshield available was factory Jaguar. As mentioned above, it was an insurance claim, so a $200 deductible got me a factory heated windshield.
Nice to have given the cold temps and snow lately.

 

At $500 + I would not bother with the OE glass. But do ask around and make sure you are getting prices on US made glass.


Two things will surprise you if you take the time to watch them switch it out -- how fast they can do it and how thin the glass is.


Some states mandate glass coverage -- otherwise it is your deductible. I have never lived in a state that mandates the coverage and I cary a high deductible.

 

As a coincidence I am having a new windscreen fitted on Thursday to my XJ8 My old one has broken, and it is being done by Autoglass.

I am in the UK however, but I can confirm that the job is done inside of an hour.

 

Had my 02 XJL windshield replaced on 11/28/11 at SafeLite AutoGlass service center in Garland, Texas. Total cost: $268.95 + $9.95 disposal fee, for USA made, non-Jaguar OEM glass. By appoinment, one-hour install, GREAT service. I believe they are a national company servings many major auto insurance companies.

 

Good job, thanks everyone who help newby find sources

 

WOW! That is a pretty good price. I had mine replaced about 5 years ago and it cost me $800.00 at an Auto Glass Company. I seem to recall the dealer wanting $1200.00. I think we get ripped off in Canada, and our windscreens are heated (not sure if the US and English cars have that or not). Well I need another one as mine has some large cracks. I will definitely do more shopping than I did the first time around. I have been holding off, as I had to install a replacement transmission, but that hurdle seems to be cleared and the car is running very nicely. If I can find one for under $300.00 I will definitely go for it.

Thanks

 

I think the heated windshields are OEM only and that is why they are so much...

 

DO NOT use Binswanger glass. It could be my local branch not giving a crap about what they are doing or all of their facilities could be careless, but when they replaced my 02 XJR's windscreen with a new OEM jaguar one, they messed up the dashboard attachment and left visible globs of glue visible from the inside. On my dad's F150 they didn't attach the rear view mirror right and it always shakes around, they also messed up the plastic between the hood and the windshield

Not a good place to go from my experience

 

If you look at the profit margin in the glass replacement industry -- you quickly see the problem -- profit ........ or lack of it.

The guys just don't make that much and they have to run all over the place to make a buck -- they are always just trying to "get it done"

I just looked at our last invoice $189.00 -- done at the house -- how can they make any money .......... my plumber charges more than that to change a 5 dollar flush ball.


I will add -- In the winter I go to the shop so they can do them inside. I have been told that they use a different glue when it is cold outside and that it is not necessary ....... but I feel better doing it this way. And I have two different shops within a few miles of me.

 

Good info, I'll be giving them a call!

 

On a minivan I could care less, however on a car like a Jag that I intend to keep I'd do it myself. I've seen how they do it with the scalpel knifes to cut it out and take the glue off. The only problem is, they always cut through the paint around the glue so you can count on your metal around the windshield rusting down the line.

If you plan on keeping the car for 3 years you'll be ok, but if you plan on driving it till the wheels fall off than you can count of your windshield being an issue again.

 

Safelite just did mine today under my insurance coverage in Florida. If its cracked or pitted in Florida and you have Full coverage they replace for free. Man its sooooo much better!!!