i bought a new civic and same thing, the SA offerred me vkool elite which comes with security protection for the side. all in $1800. i told the SA heat rejection is my priority and i know security film’s heat rejection is not as good but i told the SA to give better one, and i dont mind topping up.

when the car came back, i have 3 different tint on the car, WTF! warranty card is from solar gard, and stated - front with Vkool elite, back is solar cool (by solar gard) and side is amour coat 4 mil security. so, i called the SA and asked why 3 brands, and he also blurred and he referred me to the SA @ Vkool. the VK SA said solar gard / amour coat are brands carried by vkool. but i told them this is a misrepresentation becoz i was offerred vkool. and the solar gard heat rejection is lousy. its only 60+ % compared with vkool’s 94%.

After much arguing, we came to a solution, all films tear down, and re-do with vkool elite 70 for front & back, and vkool secure 8mil security. i top up with some $$, but at least, i am satisifed now, coz heat rejection is much better.

sometimes, we are simply not given the choice coz the SA@VK said they usually recommend the cheapest to the customer, but i told her that not all customers want cheap stuff, and some don’t mind topping a bit for the sake of comfort.

so, beware guys……..

Actually, as a consumer, we have the right to actually say NO to what anyone offers us, we are not obliged to purchase anything from the sales assistance. I must say, in my experience, most of the car dealers (i.e. Toyota, BMW, Mercedes, Honda etc) they tend to worry about warranty void due to the advance technology of the cars. I mean, let’s face it, cars nowadays has more electronic gadets, and these are sensitive! So I guess these SA “recommends” where one should tint their car, it is to avoid the problem with the electronic devices, is left assured that these people know what they are doing.

Anyway, in my case - I was offered by the Honda SA a cheaper version of V KOOL, and when I told them I inisted to visit the shop that does the tinting, I asked the person in charge what was the difference. I was told that at time car dealers gives offers to their customers. Like Honda, they offer V KOOL but it is actually the cheaper version. It doesn’t perform as well as the normal V KOOL in Tint Shop, but it is lighter in colour, lower in performance. It is not widely available (thank goodness!), only through the Honda Promotion. I thought, shit, I am nearly cheated for it, because when I ask for a demo test between the two films (they should have it, since they also install it for other Honda owners!), I can actually tell the difference! In the end, I kindly declined the SA’s offer and when I got my car, I went back to Tint Shop for her advice.

Of course, V KOOL was the main brand. But after discussing and being educated on various films (the lady gave me a crash course, explaining the difference types of films in the market), I settled for a combination - V KOOL / Solar Gard. I find it reasonable and within the means of my budget. Great satisfaction to know where my money actually went- Quality! Good workmanship too!

My question is… does the customer have the right to choose other brand of tinting? and why is it the sales assistant have to only give customer to apply it at the same row shop>

Does authorized Honda dealers can have business relationship with that tint shop?

My fren is actually kind of angry when he pays the money but he cannot choose, and is this called syndicate.

Thanks