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When I got my safety sticker the guy said I needed a brake job. He told me in broken English he would do it for $185. (2009 Toyota Corolla LE, just over 36000 miles) I didn't trust him, so I took it to the dealer. It cost almost $500. I realize dealers charge more, but I didn't expect that.
Depending on what was done, it's not necessarily out of line.
However, "brake job" is not nearly descriptive enough. There are many parts to the brake system that are subject to wear, rust, debris, etc.
Sometimes they estimate a pad replacement and rotor resurfacing. But once they dig in, they find, for example, that your calipers are leaking hydraulic fluid or seized due to corrosion, and the rotors require replacement. Then the cost goes up. The dealer may have done work that wasn't included in the original estimate.
What work did the original estimate entail, and what work was done by the dealer?
EDIT: With a vehicle that new, I'd be a little suspicious if they replaced more than pads and rotors. (The older the vehicle--regardless of mileage--the higher the likelihood of a super expensive brake job. Yours isn't old yet. Hmmmm...) Dealer pads and rotors do tend to be expensive, but at least the quality is known. Too many knock-off parts from China are of very poor quality.
Typical front rotors/pads job. Brake jobs are very easy and profitable for shops.
I just replaced the front rotors and pads on my wife's 2007 Dodge Durango for $120 ($45 a rotor, $30 for pads) with parts from Autozone. I also replaced a caliper that was not looking good for $50. Took about a hour of my time.
I don't replace brakes until they start squeeling or the rotors have a nice lip around them.
New pads and rotors, plus some work on the rear brakes. I bought the car used 1 year ago with 29000 miles on it.
I would say you got ripped off, if that's all that was done. If the rears are drum brakes, they're about as basic as you can get. Nothing too complicated.
That sucks. Sorry to hear man. If that thing isn't under warranty anymore, then stay away from the stealerships and go find a good mechanic, like the guy with broken english.
Better yet, go buy a repair manual for your car and do whatever you feel capable of doing on your own.
many places around me charge about $300 per axle for pads/rotors. If you need calipers or more the price climbs quickly.
My neighbor with a 2001 Yukon (160k) was quoted $1200 for new pads/rotors on all 4 wheels from a dealer.
I bought all parts for $400 and charged her $600. I made $100/hr and she saved 50%. Everyone was happy.
(Disclaimer - Ive been wrenching on cars since I was 10, I know what im doing, you may not want to try this at home.)
I wouldn't say you got ripped off. You were quoted $185 for a brake job but you didn't trust him because of his broken English. You wanted to feel safer so you went to the dealership. I am sure they gave you a quote as well before you agreed and signed to authorize the work.
My 99 toyota SR5 has 180,000 on it,more or less.Front disc's at 80,000 and again around 165,000 cost $225 each repair.Rear brakes still o'k from new.now 180,000.
When I got my safety sticker the guy said I needed a brake job. He told me in broken English he would do it for $185. (2009 Toyota Corolla LE, just over 36000 miles) I didn't trust him, so I took it to the dealer. It cost almost $500. I realize dealers charge more, but I didn't expect that.
Anybody ever heard of a $500 brake job?
There is another way to look at this that may make you feel a lot better.
IF something should should happen to cause a brake failure you can go back on the dealer for recovery of all damages (about one years limit). They will fight you but you have legal rights that you would not have at Joe Blows garage. Joe Blow may use non standard parts or skip some critical steps so you never know for sure.
Cheaper is NOT always better............
Feel better now?
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