[jungy4]

Where did you folks get your Caddy tinted at? Dealer or independent shops? Good or bad experience?

In my area, there seems to be a big price difference. My local dealer is asking for $250 just to tint the rear, while other private shops can do the front also for that price.

 

[vfaninva]

Dealerships often bring in outside people to do tinting. Stands to reason the dealership is going to get a cut of the profit, which drives the price above what you'd pay at a tint shop.
I found a really good tint shop years ago and that is where all my cars go.

 

[MoistCabbage]

My vote is for an independent shop as well.

Good, non metallic tint all around should cost about $250.

 

[steve755]

+1 Dealers call in experts for a reason, why pay a middle man?

 

[douger]

+1 Dealers call in experts for a reason, why pay a middle man?

Or they ship the car to the very same shop the customer can go to.

 

[madcabbie]

All our local dealers send the cars out to a local shop here. The same one I go to. Difference, if I take it to them, I pay 299 for the whole car, and as long as I get one of the higher end grades of tint, I get a lifetime warranty on work. I've had multiple cars done and the only one that has ever had to go back, and more than once, is my 2011 Coupe. The Window Design is not tint friendly.

If the dealer does it, its 500 bucks, the warranty only covers shoddy work, and anytime I have an issue I have to go through them and they have the tint shop fix it, which takes a lot more time.

 

[jungy4]

All our local dealers send the cars out to a local shop here. The same one I go to. Difference, if I take it to them, I pay 299 for the whole car, and as long as I get one of the higher end grades of tint, I get a lifetime warranty on work. I've had multiple cars done and the only one that has ever had to go back, and more than once, is my 2011 Coupe. The Window Design is not tint friendly.

If the dealer does it, its 500 bucks, the warranty only covers shoddy work, and anytime I have an issue I have to go through them and they have the tint shop fix it, which takes a lot more time.

I have a 2011 Coupe as well. What happened to the tint on your coupe? Can you explain more on why it may be hard to tint?

 

[madcabbie]

The windows go down when the door is opened so that is an added challenge for the tinter if they don't know what they are doing. But the way the widow seals are at the bottom rubs on the tint in the front and back of the window, and eventually they wear away at it. I have seen two other coupes with the same issue.

 

[vfaninva]

Any tint installer worth their salt knows how to work with drop down windows (virtually every modern car without a window frame works this way).
The tint should be installed so the bottom edge is below the window felt when the window is fully closed.
The rear window tint is a PITA to install primarily because it is so cramped in the coupe back seat. Again, any tinter worth their salt can handle it.

 

[spanky55amg]

I went with a local shop. $149, 5 year warranty. Non-metallic. I wouldnt pay dealer prices when its the same tint.

Oh that was for all 5 windows. 30% on the fronts (state law) 15% on the back three (could have gone darker but no reason to).

 

[blkillac]

Private for sure. It depends where you live too the further south you go the cheaper it tends to be. Mine cost 180$ for every window. The tint is llumar so it comes with a lifetime warranty on fading and the shop I had it done at offers lifetime warranty on their work.

 

[jamiejam1]

The best tint's are titanium or carbon based for heat deflection and non purpling.. It stands to reason that you should spend no more than about 225 to 230 for a coupe or sedan to be tinted. the rear window should be one piece but I do know the Back window is a bit tougher due to the limited access.. Look for 3m or Lummar based brands that bring a full lifetime warranty for parts and labor...

 

[HurstGN]

Private for sure. It depends where you live too the further south you go the cheaper it tends to be. Mine cost 180$ for every window. The tint is llumar so it comes with a lifetime warranty on fading and the shop I had it done at offers lifetime warranty on their work.

You did tell your installer you wanted the tint on the inside of the glass, right?

 

[wcthunder]

Sunsations, Bridgeport Pa. They do all of my cars, 35% tint and everybody thinks its factory tinted. They have a woman at this location, 5'2", she puts the rear seats down and no problem. All windows (including sunroof), $260.

 

[madcabbie]

Any tint installer worth their salt knows how to work with drop down windows (virtually every modern car without a window frame works this way).
The tint should be installed so the bottom edge is below the window felt when the window is fully closed.
The rear window tint is a PITA to install primarily because it is so cramped in the coupe back seat. Again, any tinter worth their salt can handle it.

I agree..thats pretty much what I was saying in regards to why I prefer a private tint shop that knows what they are doing.

 

[joeyc26]

independent shop is best. The only advantage to getting it done by the dealer is if the tint cost will be rolled into the financing. It would add like $3 to the monthly payments. Otherwise a local shop is your best choice. Plus, if you let the dealer do the tint and the tint starts to lift or bubble, you will have to bring it back to the dealer and most likely leave it.

 

[blkillac]

You did tell your installer you wanted the tint on the inside of the glass, right?

It is on the inside of my car. He washed my whole car for me.

 

[TMour]

Any tint installer worth their salt knows how to work with drop down windows (virtually every modern car without a window frame works this way). The tint should be installed so the bottom edge is below the window felt when the window is fully closed. The rear window tint is a PITA to install primarily because it is so cramped in the coupe back seat. Again, any tinter worth their salt can handle it.

Well said. Use a quality film. Worth the extra, but do it only one time in my opinion. This is 3M ColorStable 35% (not to fade, and non-metallic). The shield is tinted with 3M Crystalline which reflects all heat at all shades. It is wild that you can put your hand on the steering wheel or dash and it's cool by feeling no direct heat. This 12 cts black diamond ran me $250 plus the shield another $175.