I have a crack in my windshield, and Mini of Pittsburgh said it will be about $800 to replace and install. Bellisarios said it will be 400 less... I get so nervous going somewhere else, even though they are super reputable. But is it worth double to go to Mini? Your thoughts?

 

Truth is that the dealer probably doesn't do it; they subcontract it out and mark up the price. Try to find out who does their work.

 

Our local dealer (Baltimore) doesn't have a body shop. They use a BMW/MINI collision center
about 10 miles away in Towson which does very good paint work, and does it quickly, but
they are expensive, do bait and switch with prices, and offer NO warranty.
This was for painting a new rear bumper skin straight from the parts dept. - the price went up 50% from
their phone quote which was said to be a "no surprises" firm quote. They had me buy the part and drive
it over myself, citing a hefty increase in cost if they sent it over themselves.

 

Second that the dealer subs it out, and takes a cut..
One suggestion...
Find your local mini centric shop, and find out if they have a favored installer...
my "local" mini guy has a glass guy who comes in and does windshields...has done lots of mini...that way you can get a person who knows mini's to do the work, for the smallest possible $$.
The dealer, due to overhead, is always the most $$$ option.

 

great suggestion --- I am doing that now!

 

Please keep us posted on who you use and experience please. I have an 06 MCS and the top rubber gasket on the windsheield came off last week and i need it re-sealed. I used adhesive and it stays but the way the gasket fits around the glass i would like a pro. glass installer re-seal the gasket.

Also, another suggestion is going through your insurance. I have state farm and my deductable is $250.....i had a windshield priced up a few years ago and it was $500 for a Scion.

 

I am getting it all done Monday ... will let you all know results.

 

I've read on here before about insurance covering windshields. Here is one of the threads on it. Perhaps it would be worth a try contacting your insurance company and find out if they cover it. Hope this helps.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...r-replace.html

 

thanks for all of your suggestions -- I took it to Bellisario's Auto Body in Pittsburgh, and they did a phenomenal job. Took the dents out for $175 using dentless auto repair, and the rain sensor windshield was $475 -- 400 less than dealer quote! also, got 100% of the dents out. I am satisfied -- although $700 bucks in the red ... ahhh, my love is an expensive date!