Dealership estimate on replacing brakes and rotors
Asked by MazdaGuy007 Dec 27, 2021 at 11:24 AM about the 2018 Mazda CX-3 Grand Touring AWD
Question type: Shopping & Pricing
Hi, just had my car serviced and they suggested I replace my brakes and
rotors soon. They gave me an estimate for all replacements at $931 plus
taxes and shop supplies. Just wanted to know if this was pretty standard
pricing or should I try to look elsewhere? I'm not very knowledgeable about
cars so I'm not totally comfortable trying to do the replacement myself even
though it would be cheaper. Thanks for any input.
5 Answers
There's two schools of thought here. The majority will tell you that the Dealer is a rip off and you can get the same quality of parts and workmanship somewhere else. Like a private garage, chain type repair facility, etc. Then there's the other, minority group, who swears by the Dealer's service Department. I'm in the minority and have always gone to the Dealer. Whether my vehicle is 3 years old or 30 years old! The techs are trained on that type of vehicle, are ASE certified, and in short know what they're doing! Where I run into trouble at the Dealer is when the vehicle is an older model, usually a really older model that's about 15+ years old. Often the Dealer will be less than enthusiastic about working on the vehicle and the tech, unless it's an older person, will not be familiar enough with the vehicle to properly diagnose and repair it. A perfect example of that was in 2018 I took my '94 Fleetwood to my local Chevrolet Dealer for a security system problem (the Cadillac Dealer wouldn't go near it, too old). I was told the problem was the ignition lock cylinder so they replaced it and the problem was still there, 2 days and $700 later. I took the car home as it was, did some research and fixed it myself! It was a Body Control Module failure!! Anyhow, I would definitely recommend the Dealer, even if the price is a little higher! Which, by the way, the price you were quoted seems reasonable to me for a Dealer brake job! Remember, you only get what you pay for!! Hope that helps! Jim
I would never go to a dealer for repair. They charge WAY too much for general services and always charge more for parts. I would talk to people in town and see what they have to say for a trusted repair shop in town. I wouldn't even buy a car from a dealer. It's just a rip off!! YES, you get a new car and warranty and all that, but why buy a new when they will con you into getting a trade in for another deal that you get suckered into. Just like leasing a car. you go over your mileage and BAM you are stuck with a BAD bill. careful shopping
Find a good independent repair shop in your area, most shops are ASE certified these days and if they are not certified then don’t go there. That quote sounds crazy high.
Yeah go with independent shops. You get more bang for your buck, better work too.