Hello all,
my name is Michael and I am a new member in this forum. I am a Grand Caravan 05 owner and actually quite happy with my car.
Today I took my Grand Caravan to the shop it needed a brake overhaul.
Here is what they just called me back with...: Do you think it is a fair price...?
Front:
turn rotors
new pads
new caliper
new inner tie rod
Rear:
new shoes
new break cylinder
They said that all this will be around 800$... OK deal?

They also said that with new rotors it would be ~930$. Additionally, if they would also replace the shocks it would be 1250$

I am pretty confused now since I didn't know that my car was in that bad shape and needed so much work. Do you think that the price is OK?
Thanks a lot for your input!
rieol aka Michael

 

No, it is a pretty bad price, even worse than a new car Dealership. Most of the stuff on the list is probably not even needed.

You don't replace Wheel cylinder and Caliper unless they are bad.
How many Miles you have?

 

Thanks for your input. Really need some help.

Around 130.000. We bought it with ~80.000 and since then we didn't do much maintenance.
They told me that the brake cylinder and the caliper are bad, though. The rotors are really bad, that's for sure. The inner tie rod is also bad, this they already found a couple month back, I just didn't have the money to fix it back then.
You think I should have the car checked at a different place?

 

Don't forget the work time plus they have to aligne the wheels after putting in the new inner tie rod I guess

 

Call around. Ask for estimates of what you were told needed to be changed. One way to cut down on costs is to buy your own parts. That eliminates the shops mark up on the parts. On the parts listed that could be as much as $100-$150.

 

All the Caliper and Wheel cylinder are bad? I highly doubt it. I think they might be taching on stuff you don't need. Why don't you get another estimate? a lot of shops gives free inspection and estimate, find out what u truely need.
And Definitely buy your own parts, probably will cost less, and more quality.
And since you say you haven't done anything for the past 50k miles, might want to consider general stuff like a Trans service.

You can probably pick up some good quality Pads, Rotors, Brake shoes, drums, and inner tie rod end for less than $200.
Wheel Cylinders are lik $12 each from Autozone, If they aren't leaking, why replace them? and You don't replace Calipers unless it are seized up. If you don't have a "smoking lock up" front brake, I dont see why would u replace it.

Then again, where do you live? I know some area charge arms and leg for labor rate.

 

Thanks again for your opinions.
I will go to that shop and will have them show me the problems.

I live in SLC, UT.
I am not from the US, what mechanic would work with parts that the customer bought. Is that normal? Isn't that their real way of making money?

We need our car urgently tomorrow and at least the front brakes are really done. Something has to happen today...
Cheers,
Michael

 

Hey Steak. He's saying caliper and cylinder not calipers and cylinders.

 

Customers supplying the parts is common in the US. If there is a problem afterwords they will only cover a fault caused by the installation not the part itself. In that case you use the part manufacturers warranty. Some shops frown on it but most will accommodate you. Yes shops make money on parts but most of their money is made on labor charges.

 

OK, here is what happened:
I brought them my car and they charged ~250$ for the parts (turn front brakes, new pads, new inner tie rod end, new calipers, turn rear drum, new shoes and one new cylinder) and ~400$ for the labour. I was OK with that and the car is in good shape again.
Thanks again for your input, next time when it is not that urgent, I will ask you guys earlier and safe some bucks. I guess I've learned my lesson... ;-)
rieol