Tinted Windows - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Puzzle2 · 11-01-2005, 08:35 PM

I am interested in getting the Matrix XR 2006. I am a neophyte to car buying and have one simple question for now. I see some vehicles around town that have tined windows and yet, I find nothing on the Toyota site that talks about pricing or packages that includes tinting.

Can any car buffs explain if I get A Matrix with factory installed tinted windows or is this done afterwards? What is the price before vs after? I see tinting described in percentages and can anyone explain them. I want tinting in the trunk area, and back passengers sides. Does one usually do the same tinting in this area, and minor tinting in the drivers area. What is usual? thanks

Puzzle(d)

***mistamatrix*** · 11-01-2005, 10:24 PM

Most, if not all dealerships assign tint jobs to a third party. In other words, they contract any tinting requests or tinting 'options' to a local tint shop. Obviously, the dealer will mark up their cost for the tint option. If you can locate a reputable tint shop in your area you will almost always find a better deal by doing your tint outside of the dealership.

Tint percentages basically work this way...the lower the percentage, the darker the tint is. The percentage indicates the amount of light that passes through it.

The most typical tinting methods for the Matrix that people seem to be doing is:
5 windows - hatch (3) + rear doors (2)
7 windows - hatch (3) + rear doors (2) + front doors (2)

It's all a matter of preference. Personally, I went w/ 22% all around 7 windows for a uniformed look. Some choose to go really dark for the rear 5 and a tad lighter for the front 2.

You'll have to check your area for local tint laws.

If you're in the GTA, I can recommend you to the tint shop that did mine.

Puzzle2 · 11-02-2005, 04:51 AM

MistaMatrix (and others)

Thank you for your information, and giving me a description of your own numbers. Can you tell me the average cost of tinting the windows? I live in Ottawa so I could use a referral here, though I do pass through Toronto (is this a one day process?).

Are there different methods of tinting and which is the best, most reliable way? Is it just a film coating that can peel off, or is it a spray? Sorry, I really am very unknowledgeable about this issue, though I want it for esthetic and practical reasons. I need to know what to ask for when calling around for a quote / longevity / reliability of shop etc.

Puzzle

Salsa03 · 11-02-2005, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puzzle2

MistaMatrix (and others)

Thank you for your information, and giving me a description of your own numbers. Can you tell me the average cost of tinting the windows? I live in Ottawa so I could use a referral here, though I do pass through Toronto (is this a one day process?).

Are there different methods of tinting and which is the best, most reliable way? Is it just a film coating that can peel off, or is it a spray? Sorry, I really am very unknowledgeable about this issue, though I want it for esthetic and practical reasons. I need to know what to ask for when calling around for a quote / longevity / reliability of shop etc.

Puzzle

Puzzle2, I am in Gatineau... got my Vibe tinted in 2002 when I bought it.... It was done a Derand with Llumar Millennium Tint film . They offered a lifetime warranty on the job and film.... and it cost me 300$ to have it done.

Don't trust just any place to get it done, and if you can get a place where they give you a warranty (lifetime)...

I had the 4 doors, the 2 rear windows and the hatch done.

redgtxdi · 11-02-2005, 10:38 AM

Yes, I'd highly recommend a lifetime warranty on the film *AND* the work!!!

I've got a 5 year old tint job that's really startin' to go........(and with High Performance film, no less)........and I wish I'd have had it done at a good shop w/ lifetime warranty. (oh well)

***mistamatrix*** · 11-02-2005, 10:47 AM

I paid roughly $200 tax-in through a group buy we had going last year. The shop normally doesn't do work for the public rather they're one of those shops that provide tint service for satellite dealerships around them. 98% of their jobs are from dealerships.

The typical method of tinting is via film. But beware. Not all tint films are alike. DIY tint like the kind you can find at Canadian Tire isn't as good as let's say, Solargard HP (which is what I have on mine, BTW.) Cheap quality tints tend to bubble or discolor after awhile.

Good shops offer some sort of warranty so look out for that as well. So in the event one window starts to peel or bubble abnormally they'll touch it up/replace if necessary.

In terms of hrs, I suppose it all depends on how many windows you need done. But usually, you'll leave your car w/ them for a day. So if you drop it off in the morning, it should be done by the end of the day. Also, it's wiser to apply tint in warmer temperatures so that the tint will adhere properly to the windows. Most shops do have indoor heaters to speed up the process but some also will leave the car outdoors on a sunny day.

Frank@toronto · 11-04-2005, 08:24 PM

Puzzle 2,

I paid ~ $230 in Toronto. They installed Sun-Guard tint.

Remember, its not the installation shop that usually offers the warranty. In most cases its the Film company. Hence either one can go under one day.

Also be sure to vacuum the interior of the car prior to tinting the car. This is very important if you have a dog !!!

Paseo_Foshezee · 11-05-2005, 07:08 AM

You guys are paying way to much for your tints im talking about 160-170 cash. and that was the llumar tint

Byrde · 11-05-2005, 08:29 AM

I have an '06 Matrix and an '06 Corolla. There is a place in Ottawa on Youville Road, called Accurit. Been in business at that location for 8 years now, they say.

http://www.accurit.ca/contactus.shtml

Costs from $140.00 for a 4 door car and $120.00 for a 2 door.

Check 'em out and let me know if you wouldn't mind. I don't live in Ottawa myself so it's a bit tough - although I get up there fairly often.

Byrde

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puzzle2

MistaMatrix (and others)

Thank you for your information, and giving me a description of your own numbers. Can you tell me the average cost of tinting the windows? I live in Ottawa so I could use a referral here, though I do pass through Toronto (is this a one day process?).

Are there different methods of tinting and which is the best, most reliable way? Is it just a film coating that can peel off, or is it a spray? Sorry, I really am very unknowledgeable about this issue, though I want it for esthetic and practical reasons. I need to know what to ask for when calling around for a quote / longevity / reliability of shop etc.

Puzzle

***mistamatrix*** · 11-05-2005, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paseo_Foshezee

You guys are paying way to much for your tints im talking about 160-170 cash. and that was the llumar tint

Where'd you get yours done?

TRXR4KDS · 11-05-2005, 10:25 PM

Go see Sandros at 174 Colonnade Road S., 226-8471. The name of the business is Shades Window Tinting. He's the best in the country, not just Ottawa! Unfortunately, you pay a little more than at other places, but he uses the best stuff, does the best job and is a fanatic when it comes to cars and detailing.

Paseo_Foshezee · 11-05-2005, 10:27 PM

I know a guy in the tinting business but still anything over 250 is expensive

***mistamatrix*** · 11-06-2005, 07:44 PM

Well there you go. Not everyone knows someone in the tint biz.

Salsa03 · 11-07-2005, 10:26 AM

250$ is the regular price for a minivan or a car like the Trix/Vibe.... with the "specialized" tints, you should expect to pay a bit more!

Puzzle2 · 11-07-2005, 07:27 PM

TRXRFRKDS - you said that "Go see Sandros at 174 Colonnade Road S., 226-8471. The name of the business is Shades Window Tinting. He's the best in the country, not just Ottawa! Unfortunately, you pay a little more than at other places, but he uses the best stuff, does the best job and is a fanatic when it comes to cars and detailing

Can you tell me how much he would charge, and what type of film he uses, and does it come with a lifetime guarantee? I can see from the postings that there is a variance on the price. I just want to sound educated when I call.

Puzzle