This week I had my wife’s car in the shop for an oil change; yup I have someone do that, do the math it’s worth the 25-30 dollars. She was planning a trip out of town this weekend so I had the shop look it over as well to be sure everything was good to go. Now let me say that this is a good reputable shop nearby, I trust their judgment. That said I got the phone call.. “Good afternoon, this is Shop Guy. You were right about the front breaks it need them but…. It also needs rotors, rear shocks and a suspension link”… Me;“Ok. Basic stuff and I have seen the signs, so what’s the estimate?” Shop guy; “well, were lookin at about $975.00”. Me; “mmm ok, just change the oil.”
Well the wife’s going on the road and the work needs done. So I pick the phone back up and called the parts store that I like (which by the way is the same store that Shop Guy likes) I got prices for the parts that Shop Guy quoted and wouldn’t you know the total price was $230. That evening I spent about 3 hours in my garage and the work was done; saving myself $745. Now, you say. 3 hours on the ground, in the garage, in march; ug.. Yah, I’m with you. This is one area of fix it that I don’t typically enjoy. However replacing brake pads is not difficult and there is tones of info out there on how replace brakes, shocks and just about any part of your car yourself if you’re unsure of how to do it and I’ll bet you’ve got a buddy that would love to help. Here are a few up sides to this one; 3 hours in the garage alone, cool tools, listening to the radio as loud as you want, did I mention 3 hours alone and best of all saving $745.00. FIX THAT!