• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

Who should I go with, dealership or local mechanic?

N

Narmer

Diamond Member
My car is a 2005Acura MDX with 25K miles. The brakes are at 5%. Dealership wants $700 to change the front and rear brakes. My local mechanic says dealerships usually use semi-ceramic brakes. He also isn't sure if they'll change the rotor. He says he will charge me $500 to change all the rotors and give me full ceramic brakes. Since I know little about cars, I would like to get more opinion before choosing.
 
Ka0t1x said:
That's not half bad considering parts would be around $350. (local guy)
Click to expand...

if the guy gets the cheap stuff, all rotors will be around $120-150.

Cheap pads would cost him $100 all together (all of this from rock auto).

So yeah, if you want cheap crap, this is the way to go.
 
500$ sounds right, go for it. Dealership always charges more for less, I'd never get something as easy as brakes done there.
 
I'm assuming you have rotors/pads all around. Are you getting any thumping in the brake pedal or steering wheel? If not, ask the mechanic how much for new pads only. You don't need to change the rotors unless it's causing a problem.

I just swapped all the rotors and pads on my 2000 Impala, IIRC it cost about $250 for parts and about 2-3 hours of my time.

edit:

$40 per rotor, $80 for all pads.
 
Last edited:
Gibson486 said:
if the guy gets the cheap stuff, all rotors will be around $120-150.

Cheap pads would cost him $100 all together (all of this from rock auto).

So yeah, if you want cheap crap, this is the way to go.
Click to expand...

OK, so do you suggest that I buy the parts myself and take it to him or go to the dealership?
 
Narmer said:
OK, so do you suggest that I buy the parts myself and take it to him or go to the dealership?
Click to expand...

if you do not mind cheaper rotors and cheaper pads, go to the guy. Just because it's a ceramic pad does not mean its better. Also, there is nothing wrong with cheap rotors. Lots people have had success with them. If you buy the parts yourself, get them at Napa.
 
Narmer said:
OK, so do you suggest that I buy the parts myself and take it to him or go to the dealership?
Click to expand...
Maybe a hassle for him.

I would either do them yourself with the parts your mechanic will use--worse parts than the dealership (regardless of what he calls them ) or get it done at the dealer if you have to pay. I just do think that OEM (dealer) rotors are better than the stuff your mechanic will be picking up from advance auto parts.
 
Or buy the parts at the dealer, and have the mechanic install them since his hourly rate is probably half of what the dealer charges.
 
Marlin1975 said:
Why the rear as well, and did the local tech look at it?

You should not eat through pads that quick, esp the rear.
Click to expand...

The mechanic did look at it. But it was just a cursory glance. Perhaps I should do as Spicedaddy suggested and purchase the parts at the dealership and take them to the mechanic? Or, are there better parts I can get?
 
ch33zw1z said:
I'm assuming you have rotors/pads all around. Are you getting any thumping in the brake pedal or steering wheel? If not, ask the mechanic how much for new pads only. You don't need to change the rotors unless it's causing a problem.

I just swapped all the rotors and pads on my 2000 Impala, IIRC it cost about $250 for parts and about 2-3 hours of my time.

edit:

$40 per rotor, $80 for all pads.
Click to expand...

What about the brakes?
 
If you want to buy the parts yourself go to rockauto.com and they have...


RAYBESTOS Rotors:
Front $33 each
Rear $31 each

WAGNER ThermoQuiet Pads Front: $36
WAGNER ThermoQuiet Pads Rear: $31

Get 5% off with coupon from fatwallet. So about $200 for parts, and these are good parts. There are some that are cheaper if money is tight.
Centric is not bad and I have used them. A decent savings, but some don;t like to use stuff they have not heard of or seen.
 
Marlin1975 said:
If you want to buy the parts yourself go to rockauto.com and they have...


RAYBESTOS Rotors:
Front $33 each
Rear $31 each

WAGNER ThermoQuiet Pads Front: $36
WAGNER ThermoQuiet Pads Rear: $31

Get 5% off with coupon from fatwallet. So about $200 for parts, and these are good parts. There are some that are cheaper if money is tight.
Centric is not bad and I have used them. A decent savings, but some don;t like to use stuff they have not heard of or seen.
Click to expand...


beware....shipping can kill it sometimes....
 
^ Most places offer free shipping. I think OP should buy the stuff himself, read reviews on brands and just bring the parts in to a good mechanic.

Do you live in a cold climate? Many aftermarket Pads are pretty bad in the cold till they heat up, look into it.
 
My main concern here is quality, not necessarily price. I just want to make sure I'm getting the best for my money.
 
Turin39789 said:
I'm still unclear as to why all the rotors need to be replaced.
Click to expand...

It's more cost effective to go new, as opposed to resurfacing old rotors.

No one will recommend using new pads with old rotors unless they've been resurfaced. They (the old pads and rotors) have a wear pattern that new pads and old rotors just won't jive properly.

Besides, most of the brake feel is in the rotors if the old ones are warped or damaged.

I always replace pads and rotors at same time.
 
I'm thinking of buying the parts and having a trusted mechanic do it. But if you guys believe that different people have different opinions as to the best pads and rotors, I will settle for the OEM parts.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top