How Much Does It Cost to Install a Sunroof in 2024? (with Pictures)
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Shea Cummings
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If you live somewhere that gets hot summer weather, having a roof that opens is a huge plus. A moonroof is a standard option on many vehicles today. However, sometimes it’s more feasible to save money on a base model or get an older model that doesn’t have that option. Either way, there are still options. You might even be surprised to find out that adding a sunroof won’t break the bank.
Moonroof vs. Sunroof: What’s the Difference?
A moonroof is the most common type of sunroof on the market today. However, it has a few significant differences from a traditional sunroof that will affect installation costs.
Moonroof
Sunroofs on most new vehicles sold today will be a moonroof. These are made of glass—clear or tinted—that either tilts up or slides back into a gap between the headliner and the roof.
Sunroof
A traditional sunroof is still on some vehicles today but is more common on older ones. Unlike a moonroof, a sunroof isn’t made of glass. It’s a panel that either tilts up to allow airflow or is removed from the roof.
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How Much Does Installing a Sunroof Cost?
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $400–$3,000 to have a sunroof installed in your vehicle. We’ll go over a few of your potential options to further understand these costs, from the most expensive to the least.
- Panoramic Moonroof: This sunroof is often a factory option but can be installed as an aftermarket add-on. It’s a multi-paneled sunroof that usually goes the length of your roof. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500–$3,000 depending on whether it’s a factory add-on.
- Aftermarket Moonroof: If you didn’t opt for a vehicle with a sunroof from the factory, you could add an aftermarket moonroof for about $1,200–$2,500.
- Factory Option: Many vehicles come standard with a moonroof, but others offer it as a premium add-on. Depending on the particular style of sunroof and vehicle it’s being installed on, this will add $1,000–$2,000 to the purchase price.
- Standard Sunroof: This is the most inexpensive option for installing an aftermarket sunroof. For $400–$900, you can have a simple tilt-up/pop-off sunroof panel.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Some professionals recommend against installing an aftermarket sunroof due to the potential for leaks. Even a factory-installed sunroof is not immune to these potential issues. But aside from the possible repairs needed, a few other factors play into additional costs to anticipate.
- Electrical: If you opt for a manual pop-up sunroof, you will save money. As soon as you add electrical components, you can expect to add a couple of hundred dollars to the installation.
- Moonroof track: If you go for a moonroof versus a sunroof, expect to replace the track that it runs on sooner than you would have to repair anything on a sunroof. This can run you $100–$250, depending on whether you want to use a DIY kit or not.
- General Repairs: Overall, repairs on a sunroof should be expected. Some may be inexpensive; others won’t be. This is why many professionals recommend not installing a sunroof—it’s asking for extra repair bills.
- Insurance: If your vehicle didn’t include a sunroof from the factory, it might increase your premiums. Make sure to check with your insurance provider because in some cases they could choose not to payout in the event of an accident if you didn’t update your policy.
How Difficult Is a Sunroof to Install?
Different factors contribute to how difficult a sunroof is to install. For a basic sunroof, most professionals could install it in about two hours. As the complexity of the system increases, so will the time required for installation. This accounts for some of the variances in pricing aftermarket systems.
It is possible to install a sunroof by yourself and there are quite a few DIY kits on the market. However, unless you have a bit of auto body experience, this could be problematic in the future. Because if not done correctly, the sunroof will have problems sooner rather than later.
If you opt to have a professional install your sunroof, get multiple quotes. Getting 3–5 quotes ensures that you get the best deal possible. If a dealer doesn’t want to give you a firm quote or there are other red flags about their professionalism, it’s best to move on to a different one.
FAQs: Sunroof Installation Cost
On average, how long does a sunroof last?
You can expect most high-quality sunroof systems to last 15–20 years. This could be more or less depending on the material used. If you have a professional install the system, ensure they offer at least a few years on the installation in addition to the system’s warranty.
Who can install a sunroof?
If you’re opting for a professional installation, you have some options. Most automotive dealers can install a sunroof. In addition, vehicle accessory shops, body shops, or glass shops are all potential options for finding a professional installer.
Can any sunroof be used?
A sunroof can be fitted onto almost any vehicle. If you have a professional do the install, they will confirm fitment. However, if you get a DIY kit, ensure that you purchase one designed to fit your vehicle.
Conclusion
If you’re willing to deal with the potential problems that arise with an aftermarket sunroof, it’s a worthwhile investment. One last thing to keep in mind when considering this addition to your vehicle is you get what you pay for. Invest in a better, high-quality moonroof or sunroof from the beginning. You’ll have fewer future issues down the line.
Featured Image Credit: JD Weiher, Unsplash
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