Window Tinting ?

[master7045]

The local (STL) groupon deal today is on window tinting. Which is ironic as I was just talking with my wife about getting this done on both our cars. I have an 01 Lexus GS300 that has no tint on any windows & a 04 Jeep WJ w/ the factory rear tint done.

The company doing the install is local, but the product they are offering in the deal is called "Global Window Film". For 5 windows it's $125, for the front 2 only it's $50. Is this a good deal? They also offer LLumar film at an added cost (don't know how much more yet, I've sent an e-mail asking).

So 2 questions:
1. Is Global Window Film any good? I don't know squat about tinting, so don't just reply "yes" or "no", please give some reasons.
2. Are the prices competitive? From the little research i've done over the years, it looks like it's about $250 to do all 5 windows on a sedan, so to me it looks good, just wanting to make sure.

Just for grins, here's the groupon page. Might help answer any questions.

(I don't work for Groupon or the company hosting the special, just FYI).

 

[jlee]

I paid $125 per car for mine through a special via NASIOC. Lifetime warranty tint - I've heard bad stuff about 3M tint, but I'm not familiar with Global Window Film.

 

[JackBurton]

I've never heard of "Global Window Film." I'm not sure what your budget is, but I had Huper Optik tint installed on my wife's car and it is fantastic. Wouldn't buying anything else. Maximum UV protection and heat rejection at 30%. Only negative side, it's so awesome at blocking UV rays, it also seems to block GPS signals too. Oh, the other negative side is, it's about $500-$600.

If you don't go for the Huper tint though, I'd caution you with going the cheap route. Cheap tint tends to turn purple and bubble over time. With quality tint, you shouldn't have that problem. Wincos tint is good too.

 

[master7045]

Yeah, I've never heard of the Global brand either. I've heard of LLumar, so I might go that route. I'm not looking for some awesome super duper UV protection, but something that is going to enhance the look, block some of the sunlight, and provide a little UV protection. I just don't want purple or bubble tint. Cost is a cheap as possible that will meet the three things I listed. I've read about the Huper Optik, and as it sounds like a great product, way outta my $$$ league.

 

[jtvang125]

I did my gs400 all 5 windows for $150. Can't remember the brand they used but it's been more than 5 years on them and they still look like the day I had them put on.

Avoid unknown brands. They will most likely turn purple or bubble up.

 

[MrWizzard]

Almost every tint brand out there has different qualities of tint. Lots of installers get away with installing the cheap show floor stuff that only lasts a while before going bad. If you don't keep your car long then it will be the new owners problem.

The higher quality the stuff from whatever brand the more it costs. I got my car done for a few hundred dollars and it only had 4 windows to be done front and back included in the 4. Tint lasted 10 years before I had to replace 2 of the windows others are still fine, the windows were turning slightly purple.

Just be careful because cheapest does not always mean you are getting the best deal.

 

[alkemyst]

I don't know anyone that had legitimate 3M tint installed that had issues. Many fly-by-nights are installed crap film and saying it's 3M Color Stable though.

Crystalline is another product that's really good if you don't want darkening tint.

 

[Vetterin]

For around here that is a good price.
I just bought a Groupon deal last week for window tinting in Orland Park, IL. The details are:

For $159, you get a window-tinting package for a four-door vehicle (a $326 total value) that includes:

Window tinting (a $250 value) Johnson Marathon
Wash and wax (a $60 value)
Acid-wash wheel treatment and tire dressing (a $16 value)

Best part is the coupon is good till May (and yours is good till June) so I'll just until winter is over and start spring with a nice, clean, tinted car.

 

[RKS]

I've had 3M installed on a couple cars from a tint shop that has been in business for 30 years. It has a lifetime warranty against fading or peeling but I've haven't had any issues.

 

[Bacstar]

Before spending the money, be sure to check your legal restrictions/limits on tinting your windows. Usually, it's just a fix-it ticket to remove the tint, but it's still a hassle and a pain to remove.

Never heard of Global. Llumar is supposed to be a better brand. Try to avoid the Dyed stuff. When I did my car, I chose ceramic by Johnson Window Film which is the latest and greatest. Metallic is the next best option.

 

[master7045]

Thanks all for the advice. I called the shop and both Global & LLumar are covered by warranties that cover parts & labor. I was looking at the Global site and it looks like their stuff is legit, they offer a metalized and a non metalized product. Here are the links: HP Charcoal & NR Quick Dry. The radio antenna is embedded into the rear window, so I'm assuming the non-metalized product is for me?
Oh and the small windows on most rear doors, the part that doesn't roll down, an additional $40. Not per window, which is nice, but still, . Also to go w/ LLumar, its +$100, but does cover all 5 windows & the 2 small ones on the rear doors.

EDIT: So I spent way too much time over at www.tintdude.com and read a bunch of threads about Global, seems to be good stuff. I think i'll be going with that once I set up an appt next week sometime.