I just purchased a Scion XD and am looking into getting the windows tinted. I am looking into getting the windows tinted. Has anyone gone to the dealer to have it done or should I go elsewhere?

 

Depends, how dark do you want to go?

 

My Dad owns his own tint shop here in Delaware. Not sure how close/far that is from you. lol Make sure you check your states tinting laws. Some states are more strict than others. Here in DE you can only have 70% tint on the driver and passenger sides (basically your windows without tint / the lower the number the darker the film) and any shade on the back windows. I've gotten pulled over once for my 4% limo tint but ended up getting a tint waiver signed by my eye Dr. and got out of the ticket. =}

If you have any tint questions feel free to ask me.

 

Definitely look up your states tinting laws. Most shops will tint darker than the law allows with the understanding that YOU understand it is not legal and they are not responsible.

As for who to go through... ask who the dealer uses (usually it's a local shop) and check around online for reviews of that place. If they're good, and you want the simplicity of it being completed when you pick up the car, go for it.

You may also want to look into local shops yourself and get some pricing ideas... often the dealer will try to beat the other prices b/c they probably get a killer deal from whereever they use. It also depends on the tint that is used - there are different qualities and different warranties - like some places will lifetime warranty certain tints so that if it were to ever crack or peel or something, you can just take it back and get it redone.

Research. Research. Research.

 

I have 35% all around. Ohio's law states 50% is max for the 2 front windows. In hindsite, probably should have done 50% on 2 fronts and 35% on the rest. 35% is pretty dark at night. It took awhile to get used to it.

Ziebart did mine for about $200. I've used them for my mustang and previous car.

 

I don't know where you are, but I went to a body shop in Kansas and they did a Kansas legal 35% for $100. Warranted for 4 years.

 

There's a place here that did it for me; I got 20% 3M tint all around and a lifetime warranty for 160. Worth it!