How I did it: My dad and my boyfriend told me to use either a mobile mechanic or a "mom and pop" kind of car shop to get my brakes done, but my grandfather told me to take it to Firestone. He's 71 years old and that's where he's taken his car for almost 30 years and they've always done him well.
Considering that Firestone does guarantee all of their work and I knew where one was in Austin, I took my car over. I knew that it needed new brake pads and I knew that to buy said brake pads at AutoZone or O'Riley was less than $30, so I walked in expecting to spend $100-$150 for parts and labor.
They tried to tell me I needed new brake pads, new brake drums, and new brake cylinders? The cylinders they CLAIMED were leaking fluid, but I know that isn't right because I have NEVER filled up my brake fluid and when my dad checked it less than two days ago, it was completely full. If it was leaking, it wouldn't be full. They quoted me over $500 worth of work. I said no, absolutely not. No way in hell was I putting another $500 in brake work into a $4500 car that I intend to get rid of as soon as I get my 2011 Tax Return in February. The damn thing has almost 200,000 miles on it. I don't need the five year warranty, super premium bullshit parts. The car won't be running in five years. I just need my car to safely stop for the next three or four months.
I feel like they really tried to take advantage of me because they saw a 20 year old girl walk in the door, and they automatically assumed that if they quoted me all this work they could sucker me out of $500-$600. The guy fed me this bullshit line that "I just care about your safety." I knew what I needed done, and fortunately I got that done, even if I paid a bit of a premium for it.
Anyways. My dad and boyfriend were furious that I even took it up there. They said that any of the big chains are going to pull that shit when they see a college girl walk in the store and that next time I need to take it somewhere local. I think they're right. Firestone works great for my grandpa, but maybe that's because they can't bullshit a 71 year old man.
I ended up ONLY getting the front brake pads replaced and my rotors turned, and still walked out for $160+tax. I'll get the rear brakes done elsewhere.
Just, be aware, ladies.
Mechanics see us as prey because they assume we have no knowledge. Be informed. If you know you need brake pads, get on AutoZone or O'Riley's website and find out how much they are for your car. It takes like five minutes. If you take it to a mechanic and they quote you DOUBLE that price on parts, you're being had.
Try not to take it to Just Brakes, Midas, Firestone.. any of the big chain stores. Take it to a local mechanic who really needs your business and will do right by you to build a relationship with you. Those kind of people want your business, because they know if they do you well, they can take care of your cars for years to come.
I'm learning this lesson for good, because I'm sick of being had. Read how I did it… 3 months ago
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