I'm going to need new front brakes soon. Right now I have Car Quest ceramic pads on. They have been fine. Should I put ceramics back on? If so is there a better brand that won't break the bank? Most of the ceramics I have looked at are in the $35 or so price range.
Or something else. I just do normal driving.

 

You could look at semimetallic pads as well. If you are dead set on just using ceramic (which are considered better), just have to shop around to get the best price. Every autoparts store will carry their own brand and can offer better or worse prices depending on the dealer.

Another option is to check the newspaper inserts or weekly mailers if you get them. Wait for a "sale" that is advertised if your breaks don't need to be done right away.

 

-I have Wagner Thermo-Quiet ceramic pads on the front of mine, and I really like them. I also have the Thermo-Quiet shoes on the rear too. After the swap I haven't had anymore squealing when the car has sat for a while. It used to squeal like crazy for the first couple stops.

L8R,
Matt

 

+1 on the Thermoquiets, I put them on front, golds on rear, when I did complete brakes at 190,000 miles. I have 254,000M, and still have 1/2 pads left on the front. I did cal,pad, rotor, W/Cyl, shoes, drums, and hardware-Basically everything but lines and the master. On my trucks and Caravan, I run the Wagner Severe duty.