Can You Add a Sunroof to a Car (and Installation Costs)?
Chris is Head of Content for FindTheBestCarPrice and is based out of Philadelphia, PA. As a seasoned automotive industry analyst and car enthusiast, he ensures the highest level of quality across all our content and curates our picks for the best deals each month.
Chris studied information systems and marketing at Drexel University and writes about a wide range of topics ranging from car buying tips to troubleshooting common mechanical issues.
When he’s not thinking about cars, he likes to stay in with his dog and make an “attempt” to finish a crossword puzzle (he’s not quite at the Saturday/Sunday level…yet). As a former cheesemonger, Chris still has a “sharp” passion for all things cheese, and his fridge is always loaded with it!
Chris also has a passion for things that go fast, and drones are no exception. He spends some of his time writing for Dronesourced.
Sunroofs are fancier than basic rooftops, and their functionality is something modern car owners appreciate - to allow air and light to get into the car. Most car owners with a basic rooftop wish to change it to a sunroof.
Can you add a sunroof to a car? Yes, you can change your car’s rooftop from a convertible to a sunroof.
People who drive convertibles are usually those most interested in switching to sunroof tops. Depending on your car’s make and the type of standard rooftop it came with, you may be splashing over $500 to install a sunroof. There are advantages and disadvantages to taking this decision.
Table of Contents
What Is a Sunroof?
A sunroof is a type of car rooftop with glass that slides or tilts to one side to allow air or sunlight into the car. Some sunroof glasses can be removed completely instead of tilting/sliding them to one corner.
Many modern cars come with sunroofs (even convertibles), but if yours doesn’t, you can install one.
Sunroofs can be operated manually or mechanically with the push of a button from the car’s dashboard panel. There are different types of sunroof glasses; also, they are different shapes, designs, and costs.
Can You Add a Sunroof to a Car?
If your car is designed with the mechanism for sunroof installation, it’d be easier and simpler. But if it’s an older model car without such a mechanism, the installation could be challenging and cost more. But then, the simple truth is that you can install a sunroof on virtually any car, irrespective of whether the car comes standard with a sunroof mechanism or not.
Adding a sunroof to a vehicle is a mechanical task requiring you to know more about car electronics systems. Sunroof installation is best done in dealerships or workshops with a high reputation for handling such jobs. You cannot do it yourself, except if you’re a highly-experienced mechanic.
You can purchase the sunroof online or have the dealership that’d install it for you do the purchasing and installation altogether. There are two major types of sunroofs: manual and electronic. The manual ones are the least expensive to buy, and they are much easier to install than the electronic models.
Sunroof installation can take up many hours, depending on your car’s make and build. Expect the entire process to last up to six hours or even an entire day. The high technicality of installing sunroofs is why it is advised to have a professional handle the installation instead of following online DIY guides.
What Is the Cost of Installing a Sunroof on a Car?
The cost is affected by quite many factors, including the type of sunroof you bought, your car make/model, and the person doing the installation.
For basic (manual) sunroofs, the parts cost around $300 to $700, and the labor cost is around $300, so you’re most likely getting a manual sunroof installed for you at an average of $1,000.
On the other hand, electronic sunroofs are more expensive to install; they start at $1,000 for parts only, and installation costs can reach up to $500 or more, depending on your car’s make and model.
So, the average cost of installing a sunroof is from $700 to $2,000 based on the factors highlighted here. More so, hereunder are the most common types of sunroofs and their estimated prices:
| Sunroof Type | Estimated Cost for Parts Only |
| Panoramic | |
| Moonroofs | |
| Spoiler sunroofs | |
| Pop-up sunroofs |
Note: Some newer cars have an option for “Factory Sunroof” installation; this costs from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the dealership, car model, and trim.
Also, while trying to install a sunroof, you should understand that some additional costs may incur due to the installation. These additional costs may include, and are not limited to:
- Installation of new electrical components if you opted for an electronic sunroof.
- Insurance coverage (adding a sunroof will most likely increase your insurance fee).
How To Install a Sunroof
It is not advisable to install a sunroof when you’re not a professional in doing such jobs. You should have a dealership or professional auto electrician handle the job. Labor costs for sunroof installation costs from $300 to $500; you may want to get quotes from multiple installers or dealerships and decide on the best deal.
The installation starts with taking off your car’s roof and customizing it to fit the particular type of sunroof you got. Some parts of the rooftop may be cut out if your car primarily does not have any stock sunroof design. Sunroof installation requires high precision and diligence for perfection to be achieved.
