Windshield replacement discussion and the search for installers.

[hightech]

I am planning on getting my windshield replaced at Speedy Glass http://www.speedyglass.ca/ but which location is good? I am closest to the 1371 kennedy road location, so has anyone gone there?

Thanks

Update: I have canceled Speedy as a windshield replacement vendor due to their flip flop on prices, policies, and questionable installations.

[Jeff-TheBiz]

Never used Speedy before.

I have had great experiences with the Apple Auto Glass on Doncaster in North York.

[nornet]

I am planning on getting my windshield replaced at Speedy Glass http://www.speedyglass.ca/ but which location is good? I am closest to the 1371 kennedy road location, so has anyone gone there?

Thanks
I'm a west ender so I don't know the streets east of yonge
too well but I used the location roughly around Eglinton and Vic Park/Pharmacy.
They were very good.

[hightech]

Thanks for the info.

Anyone else with suggestions?

[i_spotdeals]

I'm in the same boat as you HighTech.. just noticed a crack on mine and doing some research lol!

Have you or anyone else thought about getting it replaced at a dealership or 'Safelite' in the States?

[hightech]

I'm in the same boat as you HighTech.. just noticed a crack on mine and doing some research lol!

Have you or anyone else thought about getting it replaced at a dealership or 'Safelite' in the States?

Most dealerships tend to outsource the work to another glass company. I know that Dixie Toyota glass guy is http://www.autoglassworx.com/. I would get my windshield replaced there if it was not that far away from me (I am close to Pickering and these guys are at Dixie Road and Derry Road.)

I have not looked at Safelite because I am not looking to drive to Buffalo to change a windshield. Do they have a location in Toronto? The quote I got online for buffalo zip code 14201 was the same as the local shops. Make sure you ask for OEM glass and OEM molding. Lots of places just reuse the existing and it may cause issues.

[i_spotdeals]

nice.. thanks for the info.. I might look into that since it's in my neck of the woods! :cheesygri

And I think Safelite is strictly US.. ah well

[hightech]

Now, would you take your car there over Speedy if distance wasn't a factor??

Well with most chain stores, each location can differ in workmanship. A few years back, I went to Speedy glass to replace the windshield on my Buick. I heard a lot of wind noise and had to go back for an adjustment. Sure, I had the lifetime warranty, but its a pain in the butt to have to run around to fix a problem that supposed to be right to begin with. Speedy prices are also more $$ (about $100 more) because of higher overheads (1-888 number, call centres, multi tiered support).

I would rather find a reliable shop owned by the same person for years, so that the crew is the same and can account for the work.

I think dealerships would also pick a reliable person to do their work, as they don't want to be associated with someone doing a sloppy job and cause their dealership to get a back rap.

[xcel]

Most dealerships tend to outsource the work to another glass company. I know that Dixie Toyota glass guy is http://www.autoglassworx.com/. I would get my windshield replaced there if it was not that far away from me (I am close to Pickering and these guys are at Dixie Road and Derry Road.)



I am also looking to replace WS on my Accord. Are you sure Dixie Toyota is using Autoglassworx place ? Are they good compared to Speedy ?

[hightech]

I am also looking to replace WS on my Accord. Are you sure Dixie Toyota is using Autoglassworx place ? Are they good compared to Speedy ?

Well I obtained their info from a mechanic who works at Dixie Toyota. Feel free to call them and ask if they will tell you. I have no idea how they are compared to Speedy. I know they were over $100 cheaper in the price and the person I spoke to, was very knowledgeable.

[xcel]

Well I obtained their info from a mechanic who works at Dixie Toyota. Feel free to call them and ask if they will tell you. I have no idea how they are compared to Speedy. I know they were over $100 cheaper in the price and the person I spoke to, was very knowledgeable.

I called Autoglassworx today. The person told me that they do the work for Dixie Toyota and Ideal Honda. That person gave me a quote for $350+tax. When I told him that this is the same rate Ideal Honda gave me a day earlier then he reduced it to $300+tax. They will be using PPG glass and new mouldings.

I also called Speedy at Richmond hill. They gave me a quote for $335+tax and told me that there is little room for negotiation. I was told that they use OEM approved glass (not sure its PPG) and new OEM mouldings.

I called Ron Tordoff (416-802-8772) and he gave me Jonathan number. Jonathan gave me a price of $200. He will be using the existing moulding. He didn't like me asking few more questions.

[hightech]

I called Autoglassworx today. The person told me that they do the work for Dixie Toyota and Ideal Honda. That person gave me a quote for $350+tax. When I told him that this is the same rate Ideal Honda gave me a day earlier then he reduced it to $300+tax. They will be using PPG glass and new mouldings.

I also called Speedy at Richmond hill. They gave me a quote for $335+tax and told me that there is little room for negotiation. I was told that they use OEM approved glass (not sure its PPG) and new OEM mouldings.

I called Ron Tordoff (416-802-8772) and he gave me Jonathan number. Jonathan gave me a price of $200. He will be using the existing moulding. He didn't like me asking few more questions.

I would avoid anyone who does not answer information fully or gets testy. If they are giving you a hard time before you even spent a dime, who know how they gonna treat you there, or if something goes wrong.

Another thing is that if you told them about the dealership prior to the quote, they may jack it up. I just tell them that I found this on the internet or yellow pages (where everyone is anyways). This way they give you the best prices without having any commission issues.

[xcel]

I would avoid anyone who does not answer information fully or gets testy. If they are giving you a hard time before you even spent a dime, who know how they gonna treat you there, or if something goes wrong.

I agree with you.

Another thing is that if you told them about the dealership prior to the quote, they may jack it up. I just tell them that I found this on the internet or yellow pages (where everyone is anyways). This way they give you the best prices without having any commission issues.

No. I didn't told that person prior to the quote.

[hightech]

Another thing to note is that some people say they use Department of Transportation (DOT) certified glass. Every windshield shipped into Canada has to be DOT certified. It means that the glass could be from Asia and have optical clarity issues. Companies like PPG have better testing and higher quality control. PPG also use ball bearing tests to measure how resilient the glass is to stone chips.

The DOT certified glass line was given to me by the folks at www.amgautoglass.com. They tell me "the glass is from china and DOT certified." I ask them how that is compared to PPG, and they tell me "it will cost more, because that is OEM grade glass." I also asked them about warranty, and they said "3 months on leakage and defect." They also tell me "oh the leak won't be an issue for years" and then I ask them "if you are so confident, why not offer a 3 to 5 year warranty if not lifetime?" Dude puts me on hold and never comes back! :D

There are 3 grades of glass:

- Factory Glass (i.e. Toyota glas with marking)
- OEM grade glass (i.e. PPG, Carlite, etc.)
- Aftermarket (i.e. DOT certified made in Asia glass)

I suspect why Jonathan has the $200 price vs. $300 is that he is using the after market glass, and not OEM grade. It would explain why he was evasive in his responses.

I noticed with my Toyota glass that it can really take a hit before the glass cracks or chips. With my 99 Taurus, one light tap and the damn thing breaks fast. I avoid Carlite brand glass. I don't need some Ford product to contaminate my Toyota lol :D

NOTE: This post to help fellow RFD'ers with the various issues surrounding windshield replacement. Any comments relating to Asians is on windshield glass, and not the ethnic group. I don't want to cause a riot :D

[hightech]

Any updates to this?

[Rekognize]

Star Auto Glass Ltd.
175 Toryork Drive,Unit 1B
North York, ON
(416) 744-2700

http://www.starautoglass.ca/

My total was $172 taxes in (speedy quoted me around $400)... pretty decent job, it's been 2 years now and no leaks. They also guarantee their work against leaks if there's no rust.

Good luck

[Regin8r]

Just as an FYI, I used Jonathan for replacement windshield on my 2002 330 sedan and the glass was PPG.

I've never had a problem referring anyone to Jonathan or Ron.

Reg