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Car Mechanics -- did I get ripped off?
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30,000 miles and they replaced the rotors?!?! I had to have my ground once, but I KNEW I was going to need that. i had worn through the brake pad down to the metal rivets and was grinding the rotor away. i could hear it. Otherwise, I MIGHT let them grind my rotors but they aint replacing them! And DEFINATELY not at 30k, not for ANY reason unless the thing is shaped like a boomarang!
Brake pads? That was kinda expesnive.
Tires? I dunno, I get al cheapos. I go around the whole car for under 200 bucks so....
Either way, you just got raped. Wow.
Brake pads? That was kinda expesnive.
Tires? I dunno, I get al cheapos. I go around the whole car for under 200 bucks so....
Either way, you just got raped. Wow.
FrustratedUser
Lifer
Honest mechanics are as rare as babe threads on ATOT.
I hate mechanics in general. Seems to be the most unethical people next to laywers.
I hate mechanics in general. Seems to be the most unethical people next to laywers.
I'm glad I have an honest mechanic.
I can't believe so many people are telling him he got screwed. First of all, how much was the repair worth to you?....does it really matter if they ripped you off?
Knowledge (in the form of human capital), is worth money. Its all fair game, to prey on the uneducated. Retail sales is all about rip offs. Our entire society and economy is based to some degree on unethical behavior. This is the real world. You drop the soap, your as$ will get reamed. Learn to bend at the knees and take a shower with your goddam underwear on.
Knowledge (in the form of human capital), is worth money. Its all fair game, to prey on the uneducated. Retail sales is all about rip offs. Our entire society and economy is based to some degree on unethical behavior. This is the real world. You drop the soap, your as$ will get reamed. Learn to bend at the knees and take a shower with your goddam underwear on.
The maintance service seems a tad high, but I don't know what they did with your "tune-up", so I can't really say.
Are we talking about 4-wheel disc breaks? Was it just the front breaks that needed work? The rotor replacement seems about right, but the break pads seems high. You may have been due for new pads, but you could have gotten by on the rotors you had. So, I would say you got taken on the rotors, period.
The tire service seems REALLY high. You probably had another 10K miles on those tires. $125 per tire is pretty high unless you got a road hazard warrantee and a lifetime rotation and balance guarantee, plus really nice tires.
The 15% off really helped you out though.
Don't feel too bad. Take it as a learning experience. Next time take your car to the dealership, or try another place. I've always been partial to Firestone. I've had all my recent work done there, and they do good work and have good prices. I've never had them try to take me for anything that was outragous. They've probably talked me out of a service here or there that I didn't need, but they were usually things like coolant flushes, etc.
Ryan
Are we talking about 4-wheel disc breaks? Was it just the front breaks that needed work? The rotor replacement seems about right, but the break pads seems high. You may have been due for new pads, but you could have gotten by on the rotors you had. So, I would say you got taken on the rotors, period.
The tire service seems REALLY high. You probably had another 10K miles on those tires. $125 per tire is pretty high unless you got a road hazard warrantee and a lifetime rotation and balance guarantee, plus really nice tires.
The 15% off really helped you out though.
Don't feel too bad. Take it as a learning experience. Next time take your car to the dealership, or try another place. I've always been partial to Firestone. I've had all my recent work done there, and they do good work and have good prices. I've never had them try to take me for anything that was outragous. They've probably talked me out of a service here or there that I didn't need, but they were usually things like coolant flushes, etc.
Ryan
they really raped you on the tires. there's no way 4 tires shouldve set u back half a "g" unless they're "dubs". in addition i think they overcharged u on the rotors too, but if they replaced all 4 for that price, then it doesnt seem as bad.
btw i got new 15" rims and 60,000mile Yokohama tires to match for onlt $650 installed w/ lifetime balancing, flat repair, and rotation from Discount Tire. You might want to check them out next time you need tires. 😉
btw i got new 15" rims and 60,000mile Yokohama tires to match for onlt $650 installed w/ lifetime balancing, flat repair, and rotation from Discount Tire. You might want to check them out next time you need tires. 😉
syberscott
Senior member
Calling around is useless. A dishonest mechanic will lowball a figure, then jack it up after the work is done. So by going for the cheapest price, you'll get screwed. The best advice is to just find an honest shop.
And guys, lay off the mechanics. I own a quick lube business and my dad has owned a shop for 20 years and neither of us have ever ripped anyone off. Once in a while a new customer will complain about a high bill, but that is because they just don't understand vehicles. We have never advertised, we work on word of mouth, and we are both busy.
And as far as taking in your own parts... most mechanics won't do it because they need the profits on the parts to stay afloat. (Keep in mind though that a good mechanic also won't raise the parts prices above retail.) Running a good shop isn't cheap!
Just to let you guys know.. i got a 75K guarentee on my tires, which were Michelin (sp?) tires.
I don't feel too bad about what I got done after reading all of your posts. It seems that I got raped on the rotors -- and next time I will definately be more careful.
Otherwise, I don't see how I could have made this less costly.
I don't feel too bad about what I got done after reading all of your posts. It seems that I got raped on the rotors -- and next time I will definately be more careful.
Otherwise, I don't see how I could have made this less costly.
Oh my god dude, you got totally ripped off!
I could have done the work myself for free. This wasn't any labor intensive operation here, it was a routine brake job+ tire mounting. First of all the wheels had to come off anyway to change the tires, so they already had easy access to the brakes. And since they had to take the calipers off to change the pads, they had easy access to the rotors. They did the work in one swift swoop and charged you big time.
Here's how easy it was:
1 wheels off, old tires taken off wheels
2 calipers off, old pads taken out
3 rotors off
4 new rotors on
5 new pads on, calipers on
6 new tires on wheels, wheels put back on
And how were your rotors shot after only 30k miles anyway?
They reamed you good.
I could have done the work myself for free. This wasn't any labor intensive operation here, it was a routine brake job+ tire mounting. First of all the wheels had to come off anyway to change the tires, so they already had easy access to the brakes. And since they had to take the calipers off to change the pads, they had easy access to the rotors. They did the work in one swift swoop and charged you big time.
Here's how easy it was:
1 wheels off, old tires taken off wheels
2 calipers off, old pads taken out
3 rotors off
4 new rotors on
5 new pads on, calipers on
6 new tires on wheels, wheels put back on
And how were your rotors shot after only 30k miles anyway?
They reamed you good.
OS
Lifer
I drive a 2000 prizm. It's almost identical to your car.
The brake pad change was expensive. Toyota pads are not even 40 dollars. I've changed my own pads before and it takes under half an hour to do each side. At best, you're basically being charged over 100 dollars for one hour of labor.
I'm almost certain you didn't need new rotors. I don't even think my last car needed new rotors and that had 150K miles on it before I totalled it. Makes me wonder if pepboys is gonna take your old rotors, wipe them off, stick them in a pretty box and sell them as "remanufactured" parts.
I pay 60 bux a piece for new tires at costco, Bridgestone Potenzas. Nothing fancy but not total crap either. How fast tires wear out depends on how you drive. If you were easy on the car, they probably replaced them needlessly.
I dunno, reading about this makes me a little angry.
The brake pad change was expensive. Toyota pads are not even 40 dollars. I've changed my own pads before and it takes under half an hour to do each side. At best, you're basically being charged over 100 dollars for one hour of labor.
I'm almost certain you didn't need new rotors. I don't even think my last car needed new rotors and that had 150K miles on it before I totalled it. Makes me wonder if pepboys is gonna take your old rotors, wipe them off, stick them in a pretty box and sell them as "remanufactured" parts.
I pay 60 bux a piece for new tires at costco, Bridgestone Potenzas. Nothing fancy but not total crap either. How fast tires wear out depends on how you drive. If you were easy on the car, they probably replaced them needlessly.
I dunno, reading about this makes me a little angry.
minendo
Elite Member
When I get an estimate, I pay no more than what the initial estimate was. However, never call around and tell them what you think needs to be replaced or what another shop said needs to be done. You bring the car in and ask explain what the problem may be. Then ask them to give you an estimate. Not a tough task and usually only takes a few minutes.
For pads and rotors, you shouldn't have payed more than $150 total with installation. For the Tune up (which they probably didn't even need to do, so nothing was done) oil and coolant, I would say $75 - $100 total. For the four tire, I don't know what you got. Standard radials shouldn't have cost you more than $300. With brand name performance tires, $400 - $500 would make sense.
All told, yeah, you got raped. I would have estimated the work at around $500, most of that being the tires. Find an honest independent mechanic, and stick with them.
All told, yeah, you got raped. I would have estimated the work at around $500, most of that being the tires. Find an honest independent mechanic, and stick with them.
Don't feel bad it's a learning experience.
My dad always gets ripped off and goes to the same mechanic. He's just a sucker and will never learn.
Dealerships rip people off also. They definately make stuff up. My brother crashed his car they fixed it, though it was very expensive insurance paid for it. Anyway a couple months later there was a problem but it was covered under warranty. They wanted him to go through his insurance and say there was a problem that they didn't find, so make the insurance company pay for the costs of repair.
My dad always gets ripped off and goes to the same mechanic. He's just a sucker and will never learn.
Dealerships rip people off also. They definately make stuff up. My brother crashed his car they fixed it, though it was very expensive insurance paid for it. Anyway a couple months later there was a problem but it was covered under warranty. They wanted him to go through his insurance and say there was a problem that they didn't find, so make the insurance company pay for the costs of repair.
Demon-Xanth
Lifer
Everything seemed a little high except the rotor change. 99% of the time they can be turned, and my dad's truck cost us $30 to have that done.
Tire wise: I'm used to paying $500 for a set. I will on my next set too. I've only bought one set of cheap tires, and that was because the car was going to be replaced in less than three months. I hated those tires. When I went to replace the tires on my Dakota, I was all ready to pay $170ea to get a pair of BFG Sporttruck T/As in 315/55R16 until I found I couldn't find them. (discontinued). So I paid about $95 for some Goodyear GT-IIs in 285/60R16.
What I would've expected:
tuneup (replace the spark plugs)+coolant and oil change: $150
Brake replacement: $50 labor, $100 parts. $150 total
Rotor replacement: unless something was wrong with them, I'd have them turned for about $50 (all four)
Tires: depends on what you get, expect about $100 for labor, disposal, taxes, and valvestems.
Tire wise: I'm used to paying $500 for a set. I will on my next set too. I've only bought one set of cheap tires, and that was because the car was going to be replaced in less than three months. I hated those tires. When I went to replace the tires on my Dakota, I was all ready to pay $170ea to get a pair of BFG Sporttruck T/As in 315/55R16 until I found I couldn't find them. (discontinued). So I paid about $95 for some Goodyear GT-IIs in 285/60R16.
What I would've expected:
tuneup (replace the spark plugs)+coolant and oil change: $150
Brake replacement: $50 labor, $100 parts. $150 total
Rotor replacement: unless something was wrong with them, I'd have them turned for about $50 (all four)
Tires: depends on what you get, expect about $100 for labor, disposal, taxes, and valvestems.
Doesn't matter where you go, chances are high you will get ripped off. Basically, if you know what you're doing in most cases you wouldn't need a mechanic. They know people don't know what they're talking about so they quote high prices. For any job where you have to pay for labour, you're probably gonna be ripped off. That includes, plumbers, computer installations, car mechanics, appliance repairs, home renovations, etc.
It's hard to find honest people. This electrician did tell me this though, whenever you hire someone where doing house calls is their full time job, they'll charge more. If you hire someone who has a full time job and does house calls on the side, they'll charge way less 'cause they don't depend on that income. It's common sense i guess.
Don't feel bad, i've been ripped off too.
It's hard to find honest people. This electrician did tell me this though, whenever you hire someone where doing house calls is their full time job, they'll charge more. If you hire someone who has a full time job and does house calls on the side, they'll charge way less 'cause they don't depend on that income. It's common sense i guess.
Don't feel bad, i've been ripped off too.
GroundedSailor
Platinum Member
Re rotors, notice he says the brakes were really squealing - it could well be the rotors got damaged beyond the point where grinding could restore them.
Even with road hazard warranty etc, $125 is way too much for an el cheapo car. I paid about $450 for Michelins for a Jeep Grand Cherokee with road hazard warranty, lifetime rotation and balance guarantee. (LT235/75-R15)
Did they change spark plugs, cables, distributor cap, steering fluid, etc. in addition to the coolant & oil changes? If so then $170 is ok.
I think it's safe to say they ripped you off.
Next time ask around for quotes before you commit to any one. Firestone can be good and bad. I used to go there with mine & all company vehicles but they got greedy so now I have found a good mechanic who may not be the cheapest around but is honest and will tell you what he's doing and why & even show you the parts. You should ask around to find a good mechanic in your area.
Edit:
What I meant with showing the parts was he will take the time to explain in detail what the problem was and why the part failed rather than just handing them to you. I'm vey happy with his service.
If you had brought it to me I would have...
Front Brake job = $120 that includes Pads, fluid, and turning rotors.
As far as the tires, for a car like that you should be able to get some half decent tires from Wal-Mart for around $200-$250. And I am not talking about the 4 for $100 type.
Is this a Pepboys owned by Pepboys Corp. or a fran. of Pepboys. If a Fran. then write the main office about it and ask them to detail te bill if they think it is ok.
But as others have said, find a good independent shop that you trust and stick with them.
Front Brake job = $120 that includes Pads, fluid, and turning rotors.
As far as the tires, for a car like that you should be able to get some half decent tires from Wal-Mart for around $200-$250. And I am not talking about the 4 for $100 type.
Is this a Pepboys owned by Pepboys Corp. or a fran. of Pepboys. If a Fran. then write the main office about it and ask them to detail te bill if they think it is ok.
But as others have said, find a good independent shop that you trust and stick with them.
StageLeft
No Lifer
Yeah you pretty much got fvcked.
I hope they put some sweet ass tires on that car because I got new tires on the sentra last year for $140 installed from Sears. Yeah they were cheapies, but $500? Come on.
And $300 for a full brake job sounds like you got scammed as well. Even if all pads and rotors needed replacing (is that a 4 disc car?) you still got screwed.
I hope they put some sweet ass tires on that car because I got new tires on the sentra last year for $140 installed from Sears. Yeah they were cheapies, but $500? Come on.
And $300 for a full brake job sounds like you got scammed as well. Even if all pads and rotors needed replacing (is that a 4 disc car?) you still got screwed.
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