Window Tint & 3M film

I think it largely depends on the your geographic region. Where I live, the most reputable shops wanted about $350 to tint all but the windshield. I have heard of much less in other areas. In my opinion, however, it was worth the expense. The tint shop that I used actually bevels the edges of the film where along the top of the window for a cleaner fit. Also, they did a great job even with the tiny portal window in the front of the driver and passenger side door. For that price I also have a lifetime warranty against bubbles and color degradation as well as workmanship. The glare reduction and cooling impact have been very helpful. My understanding is using a ceramic tint would've increased the cost even further. YMMV.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MichelleC @ Aug 11 2007, 03:43 PM) [snapback]494062[/snapback]</div>

I purchased my Prius one year ago and my Toyota dealer offered a package (they hire a third party) that included full window tint (Except windshield) with high quality 20% tint which is max legal for Colorado plus 3M film on about the first 40% of the hood plus back of both side mirrors and under all four door handles and I want to say the complete package was about $500 so your quoted $739 for the 3M film only seems high to me.

If your in Florida I would think there would be MANY tint places to shop from. Perhaps other Florida Prius drivers here on PC can recommend a place for you.

Best wishes.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MichelleC @ Aug 11 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]494062[/snapback]</div>

I have an appointment tomorrow for window tint in my car. GA allows 35%. My quote was $175 I will post here when complete tomorrow maybe with a pic or two and let you know how it went. I will ask about ceramic tint and find out the difference in price and quality.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(MichelleC @ Aug 11 2007, 05:43 PM) [snapback]494062[/snapback]</div>

Welcome to the site. Can't help with the window tint. I had VentureShield applied to the front bumper, Hood (front half), mirrors, front fenders (about in-line with the lights), and headlights. These patterns are available in 3 kits. My total cost was $450, 3 hours of driving (150 miles), and 5 hours of waiting.

Keep in mind that when the guy (who knows what he is doing) does it it looks easy. Can't say that you couldn't do a fair to good job but you won't get a warranty on a diy project. At some angles you can see the edge of he film at other angles it is invisible, just like a touched up scratch. Go to www.ventureshield.com to check out the product & find an installer. The longer you wait the more damage you will have. If I knew about this stuff a year ago I would have it done on the dealer's lot. Also get the top of the rear bumper covered.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JimN @ Aug 12 2007, 10:31 AM) [snapback]494280[/snapback]</div>

Here in the AZ desert, we tint the windows in all our vehicles without factory tint. The last vehicle I did using bulk film purchased at pep boys. It turned out amateurish. We took our ’07 to an auto glass repair business. They did the two drivers, two passengers, hatch glass (upper and lower), as well as the two little peep front widows for $200. I just installed the 3M headlight and fog light covers today. I ordered these from autosport for $45.

 

I just got my car tinted on Thursday by an independent, he did a very nice job but used some el-cheapo tint, said it had a 5 year warranty against fading, etc etc. $190 was the total for the portal windows, front, rear and hatch. All quite illegal here in PA, but what can you do...any cops who pull over a Prius for having an illegal tint needs to find something more important to do with their time...

 

This data is for an 07 Camry Hybrid, but most likely the price would be the same (or real close):

In July, I had LLumar tinting and clear bra (both w/ "lifetime warranties") installed while I was in Orlando, Florida.

Cost:

Clear Bra (Hood, fender, bumper, grill, side mirrors): $699
Window tint (40%, charcoal): $199

Work was performed at a Toyota Dealership.

 

What type of tint do you recommend?

 

dead thread, but I went to la tint and they did a great job with some kind of high dollar ceramic stuff. I tried to do the dragon ladys car myself with some cheap ebay tint, and it looked like @$$.