I'm calling around regarding having tint applied to my MCS. Prices start at $120 - $150, around $200 for their mid-grade, and $400+ for top of the line stuff (i.e. Ceramic films and 3M Crystalline).

All are fade-free and come with a warranty, so I'm not concerned with the basics. What about solar performance and clarity? Anything else? One of the ceramic films claims it blocks 70% more heat than their next-lower-priced film.

Are these films over two or three-times better than their less expensive films? I know people have different definitions of "better", but I'm new to this.

 

The bottom line is, how long will they last before you need to do it all over again ?

I was told that most window tints only last 5 + years.

Put that into the cost of the tint expense and maybe its better to be happy with the less costly tint since its only going to last 5 years.

Just my thoughts ....................

 

mine cost $200 with a lifetime guarantee from the installer. He's established so hopefully won't go anywhere anytime soon

 

I'm getting Formula1 Pinnacle put on in a couple weeks. Heard nothing but good feedback on it from friends and online reviews.

 

Make sure you research the installer too - Same have more quality issues than others.

Went Llumar ATR 35 on the MINI amd the kid's Mazda3's - Looks OEM not crazy illegal dark and reflects heat well.

Click on the performance specs here .... If you look at the heat relection factors - there is good bang for the buck stepping up to ATR metallic from ATC. But if price is no object, choose CTX ceramic.

http://www.llumar.com/en/Automotive.aspx

 

had lumar on mine too! no fade and big thermal difference!

 

The tint from your top of line quote will make a world of difference in the amount of heat in the car assuming you also put the clear on your front windshield...
At that point you can sit the car in the sun all day, get in an still be able to touch the dash, steering wheel etc. It makes that much of a difference. Granted it costs a pretty penny.. Like everything else it depends on what you want from the tint and how long you plan to keep it.. If your only concern is darker windows go with the cheapest thing as long as it has a warranty on the tint and the install..

 

Ceramic is MUCH better, but to me, it only lasts 4-5 years where we live in the cold, if it was a daily driver and your weather patterns are like our in Pittsburgh, I would go with the normal, every day 20% tint. I have a guy who will come to my house and do a car for $120, tha tis his daily job, can't beat it with a stick!

 

Thanks for the info! I still haven't taken the plunge. Sounds like I might go with the good stuff if it does make a difference with heat over the cheaper options. I *plan* on keeping the MCS for a while; although my track record would suggest otherwise, haha.

 

Got to tint the windshield ( it's clear ) to get the full effect of the "coolness" which in turn makes the price go up of course..