How much should I pay to have my windshield replaced?

On a 2002 volkswagen new beetle.How much should I pay to have my windshield replaced?
It will depend upon a variety of factors: the labour rate where you are, the type of glass, the options in the car, and the brand of windshield your purchasing.



In general, you're best served by having either a OEM windshield (original equipment manufacturer supplied by VW) or a known quality windshield from a USA manufacturer of glass. USA glass companies like: LOF (Libby Owens Ford), PPG (Pittsburg Paint/Glass), Guardian, Carlite or the like. The reason for this is that the glass is made to the same standard as the original glass that came with the car.



I've seen windshields from Brazil, India, China, Peru, Mexico and even Vietnam; most of this glass is of poor quality and some it won't meet DOT standards (Department of Transportantion) safety regulations. Yes, its cheap, but it can be poor fitting, have optical distortion issues or safety issues in a cash.



In the San Francisco area (labour is amoung the highest in the country!), you can expect to spend as little as $250 for a windshield installed to as much as $550, depending upon the glass and labour rate.



Its great to shop around; be sure of what you're getting and always be sure that it has an installation warranty of at least 1 year. Right now, there isn't much rain in most places; you won't know if the replacement windshield will leak until your in a huge downpour....



Hope this helps, a car nut.How much should I pay to have my windshield replaced?
*$80-$170=@used at the mom and pop's getto stores

*250-$600= @big, busy expencive dealers