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Ok I think I am going to have the 'Rolla another year at least, so I am thinking I want ot do this before summer. Temps are rising in the afternoon anyway. How much should I expect to pay for this (I know local markets vary), how dark is safe?, and so on.
I want to know everything I should know about this subject.
(Ok, within reason guys).

--des

Most tinting goes for $150-$200 for a passenger car. Go as dark as your local laws allow for (your tint shop will know the laws by heart).

In Nevada we're allowed to go down to 6% on everything but the front windows so I did just that, then 30% on the front windows and a 6% strip on the top of the windshield.

You can buy a roll from WalMart for ~$10.There is a bit of a learning curve, but you can save a lot of $$ DIY.Part of the trick is to use waaaaaaay much of the lightly soaped water-baby shampoo- when you apply it.

It won't look as good with a DIY job, but it will work just as well.I wouldn't go as dark as 6%(letting just 6% in) because that will make it hard to see out of the side and rear windows at night.My eyes are old;6% might be ok for younger eyes.

Your Corolla is an inexpensive car-why spend $150 when you can DIY for $20?

Luck,
Charlie

You can buy a roll from WalMart for ~$10.There is a bit of a learning curve, but you can save a lot of $$ DIY.Part of the trick is to use waaaaaaay much of the lightly soaped water-baby shampoo- when you apply it.

It won't look as good with a DIY job, but it will work just as well.I wouldn't go as dark as 6%(letting just 6% in) because that will make it hard to see out of the side and rear windows at night.My eyes are old;6% might be ok for younger eyes.

Your Corolla is an inexpensive car-why spend $150 when you can DIY for $20?

Luck,
Charlie

I look behind the car before I get in to back it up so that I don't have to look out the rear window. Anything else I need to see out of the rear at night has lights or headlights, which you can see fine through 6%.

30% on the front windows allows you to use the side mirrors at night.

I highly recommend against the DIY stuff. I have never seen a DIY product that didn't bubble up and/or crack after just a few years. Plus the store-bought stuff only has a short warranty on it while most shops guarantee their films - and their installation - for the life of the vehicle.

Some things are just better done in a shop.

No question a shop will do a better job.However, is a better job worth >$100 on a car you'll have a year or two more? Even a really pitiful DIY will keep the light/heat out.

Depends on how important the $130+ you save is worth to you.Who cares about a lifetime warranty on a $20 item?

Charlie

If you trade it in, an after market tint job may not affect the price any. If you sell it yourself, the tint could be a selling point, especially in NM. I'd pay $100 (maybe more) for a '96 Corolla.

Don't forget to use vinegar-based window cleaner, not ammonia.