Does anyone trust mechanics?
I took my car in for an oil change today. I recently topped the 30,000 plateau on my car, so I knew that it was time to get a more thorough inspection done. The mechanic at Midas took a look at the car and recommended their 30,000 inspection "special" since it included a lot of the repairs that she thought were necessary. In addition, she recommended some additional work, primarily on the brakes. The total of all these repairs/inspections was $1100. That's a lot of money! Obviously, I wanted to think this over for a bit despite the fact that the mechanic was pushing for a quick decision, so I walked back to my apartment and did some research on the internet. Furthermore, I called my brother and Redneck since they both do a lot of their own repairs.
As it turns out, most of the work probably needs to be done. The 30,000 mile inspection package covers a lot of suggested repairs for my car according to the Subaru website. While it's possible that some of those repairs could be delayed (air filter, sparkplugs, engine coolant, etc) they will need to be done in the near future and I don't want to risk further damage by procrastinating. In addition, there were a couple other "shady" items that probably didn't need to be done (fuel injector cleaning and power steering flush), but the additional cost above their "special" was not ridiculous. I still think I got overcharged for the work I approved, but probably by no more than $50.
The one item that I ultimately balked on was the brake work suggested by the mechanic. She said that I needed to replace all the brake pads and the front brake rotors. After looking at the brake pads, I definitely agreed that they needed to be replaced in the next couple months. The rotors might still be good for another year though. I would have been more willing to let her do those repairs as well, but I think she was ripping me off on the cost. Four brake pads, two brake rotors, and labor was going to cost $500. Specifically, the four pads + labor totaled $210 and replacing the front rotors was going to cost $290. Anyone else think that is a little steep? Both my brother and Redneck insisted that I was paying about 25-30% more than I should. Furthermore, Redneck said he could help me make those repairs and the parts would cost me less than half of what I would have to pay at Midas. Of course, the mechanic countered that the quality is better since they specialize in brake work, but I don't know whom to believe.
Does anyone else think I am just too untrusting of the mechanic? Should I let her do the suggested work or continue to investigate? Do any of you CT people know of a really good mechanic that I could go visit for a second opinion? At the very least, I have an estimate from the mechanic and a friend that will take a look at my car with me next week. I may still go back and have the work done in a few days, but it is turning out to be an expensive weekend. :(
As it turns out, most of the work probably needs to be done. The 30,000 mile inspection package covers a lot of suggested repairs for my car according to the Subaru website. While it's possible that some of those repairs could be delayed (air filter, sparkplugs, engine coolant, etc) they will need to be done in the near future and I don't want to risk further damage by procrastinating. In addition, there were a couple other "shady" items that probably didn't need to be done (fuel injector cleaning and power steering flush), but the additional cost above their "special" was not ridiculous. I still think I got overcharged for the work I approved, but probably by no more than $50.
The one item that I ultimately balked on was the brake work suggested by the mechanic. She said that I needed to replace all the brake pads and the front brake rotors. After looking at the brake pads, I definitely agreed that they needed to be replaced in the next couple months. The rotors might still be good for another year though. I would have been more willing to let her do those repairs as well, but I think she was ripping me off on the cost. Four brake pads, two brake rotors, and labor was going to cost $500. Specifically, the four pads + labor totaled $210 and replacing the front rotors was going to cost $290. Anyone else think that is a little steep? Both my brother and Redneck insisted that I was paying about 25-30% more than I should. Furthermore, Redneck said he could help me make those repairs and the parts would cost me less than half of what I would have to pay at Midas. Of course, the mechanic countered that the quality is better since they specialize in brake work, but I don't know whom to believe.
Does anyone else think I am just too untrusting of the mechanic? Should I let her do the suggested work or continue to investigate? Do any of you CT people know of a really good mechanic that I could go visit for a second opinion? At the very least, I have an estimate from the mechanic and a friend that will take a look at my car with me next week. I may still go back and have the work done in a few days, but it is turning out to be an expensive weekend. :(
posted by GaryGinew at 12:42 PM
2 Comments:
I'd be a bit skepticle. I went to Manchester Honda for my 30,000 mile check-up, and I want to say I paid $350 for a very thorough inspection and repairs such as spark plugs, etc. I'd also ask the place how many millimeters you have left on the brake pads and what the recommended level of mm's left before replacing them. I didn't get my brakes replaced until 40,000 miles, and I use the brakes pretty hard (not sure if mine are naturally bigger than yours though -- uh, that could be taken out of context). They originally recommended getting them changed at about 33K miles, but I still had some mm's left before the recommended change, and I want to say new brakes and labor cost me around $450. Basically, I paid $800 total for everything you're getting done, and waited a little longer on my brakes. Not sure if Manchester Honda can do other types of cars as well, but you could call them and ask for a price on the stuff you're looking for.
one word: no.
I paid about $400 to get my brakes done at a dealer here, and they are notorious for ripping people off. I didn't get mine replaced until around 45K miles, but i'm kind of reckless like that.
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