How often do mechanics lie?

Question

I just got an $800 estimate for a brake job...looks like my rotors need replacing, not just the pads. How often will a mechanic make something like this up (i.e. maybe just the pads need replacing and he's lying) and should i get a second opinion before i let him do it? Thanks.

Answer 1

I don't neccesarily think a mechanic lie when they work for a large dealership as my husband was a mechanic I think you have to worry more about an independent guy-who does not worry about a -five star rating from a corporation following him

Answer 2

I dont believe the mechanic would lie about this sort of thing. It is his responsibility to check the rotors and let you know if they need replacing. He is just doing his job. However, the $800 estimate that you speak of should be your main concern. This seems a little high to me. Keep in mind that when performing a brake job, the technician has to remove the rotors anyway. So replacing them is actually less work than if he had to resurface them. It sounds to me like the managment is trying to get some more money out of you. You should definitely get a second opinion. Also, it would be a good idea to call around to different part stores and get prices on these items yourself. You would be surprised how much of mark-up some places will put on brake parts, because they really arent all that expensive anymore. They have actually become very affordable. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

always, always get 2-4 estimates.
don't skimp on a brake job. for example, my mechanic told me that the rotors don't need to be done right now, but they will be in a few months. others will tell you to get the whole thing done now, instead of telling you to come back in a few months and then taking everything apart again, the labour will cost you more that way. from my experience (20 years of car ownership) when you go to places like midas or speedy muffler,they'll tell you to replace the whole thing and charge a fortune. they'll try and make it look like your whole car is falling apart, so watch everything they do ! As a woman,they are always trying to scam me because they know I don't have a clue as to what they are talking about, however they will put your car up on the hoist and you can take a really good look at what's going on and check out the rust condition,too. I have found that meineke is usually more cheaper and honest so get an estimate from them,too. also,go onto the craigslist site and they have an auto section. put your make,model and problem in the subject line and you may be lucky and get a car expert to answer you back, just like I did when I had a problem with my interior light. the absolute best way is from referrals thru someone you know. the only problem with honest mechanics is that they are popular and busy all the time,so it's best to leave them your car tuesday to thursday. don't show up on a friday or saturday and expect them to drop everything for you. try not to get your repairs done at too many different places, because if someone doesn't fix it right, who are you going to blame ? don't be sloppy and always keep your bills and note the mileage and clearly note what the exact problem was and how it was resolved. use your own intuition and make sure you are comfortable with what you are being told. if is sounds suspicious, move on. try to get 3 opinions if possible. if you have the time, do some research on the internet.

Answer 4

Sadley I must inform you mechanics lie alot. I worked in a dealer for years and you are paid based on your "upsells". This in fact means if you don't "sell" work you won't get a paycheck. You do have some mechanics out there that are honest but if he's telling you $800 for brakes I doubt he is honest. A quick break down on prices for ya.(not sure of the exact prices but here's an estimate.) Rotors about $60 each. you need 2. pads about $25. labor (atmost) should be about $75. Thats a total of $160 not$800. He is definitely trying to rip you off.

Answer 5

Before you talk about a mechanic: How long did you drive your car hearing the metal to metal sound. That sound is a feeler guage letting you know when your brake pads are below specs. This feeler guage and the rivets that hold the pads to the brake plate are what damage rotors. Your inexperiance in car parts and repairs may sound expensive. Just like most people your shocked by the price. Always get a second quote, but be careful when you get bubba's to do work for you and not the dealer. Ask to see all the old parts...

learn to do preventive maintenance on your car instead of repairs. ie, regular oil changes, tire rotations and replacing brakes at the first sound of metal to metal contact.

Yes, i'm a mechanic, and more people lie to us about whats wrong with their cars or dont tell us or just dont know themselves whats wrongs. We know everyone thinks we're liers and most of us try hard to get rid of that reputation. How would you feel if everyone everyday who doesn't know you automatically think your a lier. Just ask me to explain the bill line by line, part by part, charges for labor etc.

Answer 6

good mechanics don't lie. To me that sounds high, but it does depend on area you live and model and year of vehicle, and how hard you are on brakes. I know a lady who every 12,000 miles she had to replace her brakes, she was that rough on them. If you went extended time with your brakes wore you might need to replace rotors. Or it could be just there isn't enough metal there to turn legally. If you feel he is trying to heat you by all means get a second opinion. The bad mechanics need to be kept honest.

marci I worked in a dealership, and one of the most crooked mechanics I had ever met worked there. Crooked mechanics work everywehere. They do not worry about five star ratings, they worry about there pocketbook

Answer 7

Less than 6% of the time.

$800 for brakes... if import car.... totally reasonable. Rotors alone could go for say $125 each, thats $500 for just rotors. Then say $25 per set of pads. Now thats $600. Then add in shop supplies, brake cleaner, towel service, EPA removal, etc. Thats an easy $50. Now the other $150 is labor. Being all 4 rotors, brakes. Thats an easy 3 hour job. Basic labor is $50 to $75 per hour.

Right on track.

Answer 8

At a dealership, the mechanic would make more money resurfacing the rotors and installing new brake pads. At an independent mechanic shop, they would make more money selling you the new rotor than just resurfacing. If you are going to an independent shop, I would get an estimate at a dealership, just to make sure he was on the up and up.

Answer 9

ALWAYS get a second opinion. Most likely the rotors need replaced. Newer vehicles seem to be made so you cant "turn" the rotors, so you have to buy new ones,and they are not cheap! $800 sound expensive. I did my Chevy trailblazer myself and it still ran $300 for new rotors and pads. Seriously unless you drive a Mercedes,get another estimate.

Answer 10

Simple really and he will not be offended.

Ask him to show you the old rotors and put them on a mic.

Ask him what the specs are for your rotors.

Thats the way to tell if they need replaced - or if they can be turned (machined) and still used.