What do you suggest?

I know this is an old post but for those they may need the help in the future.
I use to remove tint first by using ammonia on the tint, Spray ammonia on the tint and let it soak for 10+ minutes, if the tint allows the ammonia to pass thru the adhesive should release the tint. If not you can allow it to soak longer, maybe apply a little more ammonia. What runs off the tint does you no good. You can use a heat gun to help the glue release, be very slow and keep the tint in one piece.
You will have to go behind and remove the glue after you remove the tint.
It is a painful process but the glue maker never expected you to remove the tint.
You should use a razor to clean the glass also. If you haven't tinted windows you should not do this. It is much like tinting in reverse, also the ammonia can be dangerous in a confined area so be sure the area is well vented and have someone near by or checking on you regularly.
For those try to tackle a project as such, Good Luck and plan most of to all day to so.

My ES was done as an add on so was already on it...wonder how much was tinted

Been calling around tinting shops and one shop said that they would remove the door panels inside to do a good job. Just concerned that they may do damage e.g. stuffs up alignment, breaks something and not say anything, etc. Thoughts? My car is a 2017 RX450h.

A tint shop that I've used a couple of times (once for my ES350) said that "with the right tools and technique" it's not necessary to remove door panels for the majority of cars. At the time he mentioned 1 or 2 BMW models that needed the panels removed.

My RCF has tints that I am not pleased with. I am looking at getting them darker. Any idea if it's a difficult job to remove and do you know the cost to remove?

Any tint shop can remove the tint relatively easily, or you can DIY. If you want a professional to do it, just call a shop and ask what they charge. Some charge hourly and some have a set rate.

If you want to DIY, it is quite simple. I use a steamer, but this article shows you other ways to do it... http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Window-Tint

Any photos of a windshield with strip tinted on top on a 3IS?

Great write up! I really like the formula one ceramic and Llumar Ceramic Air Blue on the windshield. Can’t even tell it’s there, but the 99% UV and excellent thermal blocking is really noticeable in hotter climates.

Professional + OCD Installers in SoCal?
 

Can anyone share their experiences with getting their car tinted? I am looking for a great shop between Ventura, CA and Woodland Hills, CA... :)
Although, I will drive as far as I need to find great installers; specifically those that know how not to mess up the rear defroster lines or insist on taking the door panels off.
Any help would be appreciate it!!!

Give Bulletproof Auto Spa a holler; they should be able to accommodate your needs.

https://www.instagram.com/bulletproofautospa/

Posted this on the ES350 forum, but seems this may be a better place for it. For those interested, below is the post:

Been researching tints like crazy and looks like there are some real good heat rejecting tints available as of the last few years. Xpel XR Plus and Photosync are two that stand out for their heat rejection properties. Next up looks to be the 3M Crystalline (has a brownish hue to it), Huper Optik, Llumar's Formula 1, Suntek CIR/CXP, Madico Wincos, etc.

Photosync is a hit among Tesla owners wanting to keep max heat out for maximum range. This looks to be a truly impressive film with TSER's reaching 79% and IR rejection reaching up to 95%. Overall looks to be a film on the lighter side in terms of shade, so those who want to keep max heat out and maintain a cleaner look, this is an excellent option. Downside is that it's pricey.

Have gotten 4 cars tinted at G5 in Pasadena, CA. Awesome place... they used to carry Huper but not sure if they do anymore. There service is awesome, never had any issues with bubbling, etc. You get what you pay for though... approx $650 for all windows tinted, including front.

If you just need cheap... California Tint in Rosemead, CA is the place to go to

Favorite tint is all the cars has been Huper... I've had old stuff, new stuff, put on various cars but at the end of the day, Huper has been the best.

Great info. Thank you