I'm tired of getting ripped off by service dealers. I need my front brake pads replaced (2002 Subaru Impreza). I know that the cost of the pads is about $70.00. What is a fair price to have the job done?
- posted
16 years ago
Brake Pad replacement
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- posted
16 years ago
LOL. Well here's an instance where you're not getting ripped off by some dealers. Now, Autozone will cheerfully sell you a set of total piece of shit brake pads that "fit" the car, but here's the dirty little secret I learned the hard way: they aren't the right material for the car.
When you find your nice wheels perenially coated with brake dust and wonder why the brakes feel softer than ever and wear out in 7000 miles...then if yer like me the light bulb will go on and you'll stop shopping for the lowest price on brake pads.
Now, if you go with aftermarket pads (and history on these Subies advises against that), make sure they're premium and ceramic, and cross check the specs with what the car calls for. Or just save yourself the trouble and buy the OEM pads from teh dealer. They are actually competitive in price to the "right" aftermarket pads. Since you are presumably still on OEM rotors, you really should go with OEM pads to ensure compatibility. It can cost ya more later.
Related thread:
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And here's a parts list including full brake job done with aftermarket parts (I'd have actualy saved money taking the dealer up on their full brake job quote)
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Next time, I'll be doing the job myself again (now that I've learned how even pros can manage to get it more wrong than I did), and I'll be using OEM pads. Or, I'll try to get that same in hindsight very reasonable quote from teh dealer to do them with OEM parts. My car stops fine now, mind you, and the parts were top notch, but I didn't save any money using aftermarket pads and a third party mechanic, that's for sure.
Best Regards,
-- Todd H.
2001 Legacy Outback Wagon, 2.5L H-4 Chicago, Illinois USA- Vote on answer
- posted
16 years ago
My third party mechanic uses OEM parts, unless there is a compellingly better aftermarket part, ex:// "Jeep". He makes sure you know this up front, as OEM parts are usually more expensive.
Keep your eyes open, shops like this do exist. His main focus is actually Toyota, as he and his brother have 15+ years each at Toyota dealerships, but they work on anything.