Originally Posted by
nomadmax
Tim makes a good point. Poor quality glass can be a safety hazard and a poor install can result in a leak. Remember, they're the same people who couldn't PARK a car; why trust them for the repair?
Some cars have specialty glass or forward facing cameras for collision avoidance systems. Subaru Eyesight is an example. For these you don't want the guy in the truck slapping glass from an unknown source into the car while you are at work.
Even re-attaching rear view mirror on the glass has to be done right.
Cheap rear windows have cheap defogger systems. Some rear glass is highly curved and has a very detailed install process requiring disassembly interior panels. You want Lexus glass on your Lexus and Audi glass on your Audi.
Even going to the dealership isn't a guarantee that it will be installed right. One has to insist that it be done by a collision repair tech who replaces glass on wrecked cars all the time and is factory trained. Replacing glass is a body shop repair, it is not an engine or chassis repair.
This all assumes that it is a nice car. A beater car might be different.
-Tim-