Hello freaks!

I've got a deposit down on a 2012 Fit Sport MT in Polished Metal Metallic that's on the boat in transit from Japan. I'm told it should be here (Colorado) around beginning to middle of June. It's a long wait as I put the deposit down almost 2 weeks ago, but it's the exact one I want so I'll be happy in the long run.

I definitely want to tint the windows, but I'm torn between having the dealer do it (least hassle and no time out of my schedule) versus going to a window tint shop after I buy the car and have them do it (cheaper).

Any strong opinions for or against the dealer tint option?

I'm thinking 35% all around plus strip on the windshield. How's that windshield strip look to you guys? I'm concerned it'll be harsh as it won't fade down the glass from dark to light.

Thanks for your input!

 

I'd get it done at an independent tint shop unless you're getting it done for the same price at the dealership.

I know for certain that some (possibly all) dealerships simply hire an independent window tint business to send employees to the dealership and tint windows there, just like a mobile window tint service.

So if you get it done at the dealership, you're literally getting the same work you'd get at the independent tint shop, except it'll typically cost a lot more at the dealership. It's all going to be "aftermarket" window tint because the OEM glass for our cars doesn't have tint manufactured into it.

 

It may depend on your dealership, but some are willing to give you the contact info for the tint company that they contract. Then you can cut out the middleman (the dealership).

 

I agree with Dr Doom. Go with the aftermarket guy and eliminate the middle man. (dealer). I had an aftermarket specialist apply mine and I was very happy with the results. By going aftermarket you can usually do some research and see who has a good reputation in your area. If you use the dealer, you don't know who they might be using. My back little windows and hatch were already at the 35% Massachusetts limit, so I matched that along the entire side including the little front triangle windows. I also got a 10%, 6" band along the top of the windshield. While I was at it, I got the protective film on the headlights, and got a yellow protective film on the fogs. I didn't do the hood protection because I already have a magnetbra that's working fine for me. Here's an inside picture of the strip. It really helps with the morning sun & glare during my commute. The strip is not as noticeable from the outside.


Not as visible from the outside

 

Ok my initial feelings on this were probably right - skip the overpriced dealer and just find a good window tint shop to do the work.

Thanks for confirming what I was leaning towards and thanks for those pics. That's the first time I can remember seeing a shot from inside with that strip across the top. It does look a bit odd from the inside (not bad from the outside) so I'll have to think about

 

I thought the new fits come tinted?

 

Yeah there is a light tint on the new Fits, but it's not nearly enough for my environment. I know I'm in Phoenix, but Denver is sill in the top 10 sunniest major cities in the U.S. and where I work there's no covered parking and no shade so it's 8 to 10 hours of the car sitting in the sun

 

I was going to have my dealer do it but they told me they refuse to max tint to state limit and will not do the front, so aftermarket for me!

 

So you're going to have to pay to remove the tint first. That sucks.

 

dealer with charge you the most money with the least expensive tint job and I'm pretty sure they don't do it in-house.

 

Sorry I think I wasn't clear - the glass itself is tinted I believe, not an applied film tint.