Brake & car service estimate question

Factual Questions
1

Since we have knowledgeable auto types here on the board, I wanted to run this by you guys as to whether this sounds reasonable or whether I should continue shopping.

I have a 2004 Mazda 3s, with 63,000 miles on it. I bought it used when it had 11,500 miles. I’ve been neglectful of the scheduled maintenance on it (besides oil change) and, when I took it in to get tires changed today, had the garage look at the checklist of items Mazda provides in the owner’s manual.

The garage I used is VIP Tire, and the mechanics there seemed trustworthy and reputable (the tire change came in a little below the quoted estimate, they were ontime, and the price was comparable to places like Just Tires, with much better service.) But I’m not very knowledgeable when it comes to cars beyond the basics.

So, the mechanic told me I needed the following, in order of importance:

  1. Rear brakes and rotors replaced
  2. Fuel Injection Service
  3. Reverse clean & flush cooling system
  4. Four-wheel alignment

The pricing is thus:

  1. Wagner MX973A R Prem Semi Met Pads @ $199.95
    1b) Aimco 31365 R Disc Brake Rotor (2) $171.36
  2. Fuel Injection Service $159.95
  3. Reverse clean & flush cooling system $89.95
  4. Four wheel alignment $99.95

He said my two rear wheels (which were my front tires before being rotated back) have impacted rims, and he could source refurbished wheels @$250. He said to hold off on alignment until I decide if (and when) I get refurbished wheels.

Do these numbers look sensible? I’ve looked online and know how much pads and rotors cost, and they are much, much cheaper. I assume (and will check) that those prices include labor. I’ve had the oil change people tell me about a year ago to get my rear brakes looked at soon, so, even though I haven’t noticed any issues in braking, I’m fairly confident they need replacement.

I will shop around a little bit and check for more estimates, but before I do so, I’m curious whether all that looks to be in the right ballpark and whether there are any obvious questions I should be asking. I’m in Chicago to give you a better idea of what kind of pricing I could expect. Remember, this car still has all its original parts (as far as I know–at least since 11,500 miles) and I have 63,000 miles on it now.

2
  1. Maybe not out of line for premium pads. For most of the cars I work on it runs 150-175 for Wagner ThermoQuiet pads.

1b) Sounds reasonable for both rotors installed.

  1. Why? If you’re not experiencing any performance symptoms, I question if this is actually needed. Often adding a bottle of Techron fuel additive to the tank is adequate. That said, if this is a good comprehensive cleaning service (e.g. MotorVac), the price is not out of line and it is possible there will be some noticeable improvement.

  2. Yes, called for as part of the 60,000 mile maintenance and the price is reasonable.

  3. Again, why? In the absence of particular symptoms (uneven tire wear, pulls to one side, doesn’t go straight ahead with steering wheel straight), it’s unlikely it actually needs alignment. The price is reasonable.

3

Something to be aware of: comparing parts prices online is not particularly helpful. The shop’s price on these items from their suppiers is often the same as, or even higher than, what you’re seeing. But they’re a business, and you don’t stay in business by selling stuff for what it costs you. They mark the parts up to a retail price, and this is an important portion of the profit they need to function. If shops didn’t do this, the labor rates would necessarily be much higher.

4

He did say there was uneven tire wear. When I drive, the vehicle may slightly pull to one side. I’ll look at a little more closely next time I’m out. But he also said two of the wheels had dented rims. Replacement at $250 each wheel (I assume this includes labor, will check).

The only performance symptom I’ve noticed from my car (and I didn’t mention this to the mechanic) is that twice in the last year I’ve had a weird idle, with the car bouncing between 600 and 1000 rpm. The symptoms seem to have worked themselves out, but the car did stall three or four times while fully stopped.

5

I understand. I’m a small business person myself, I just don’t know what typical mark-ups for such items should be and would like other people to comment on whether they’re reasonable or not.

6

Okay, it sounds like alignment is called for. I don’t know enough about wheel prices to be helpful, but for alloy wheels that doesn’t sound out of line. If the dents are big enough, they could be significant.

I believe a comprehensive injection service would address this.

In auto repair, parts markups typically run from 50-120%. Most of the better shops probably use 80-100% for most items.

7

Depending on how anal you are about your car, I would opt for ceramic pads, which don’t lead to the small rust spots getting embedded in your paint. It also cuts WAY down on the black brake dust which accumulates on the rims.

8

Also, that price for sourcing replacement wheels is a little high. You shoudl check into getting used ones, should run you about 100 each. Unmount/Remount shoudl cost between 15 and 20 per tire, maybe a little more, so you should come out way ahead.

9

I’m looking at his notes, and it says $250 each, installed, if that makes a difference.

10

If you are going to do rotors plus pads, ask for a cheaper price. Labor work is similar for doing pads or rotors but your quote feels like labor is being charged twice in your quotes.

You probably don’t need the fuel injection service. Gas these days have detergents in it.

Alignment price is fair but how did they determine you need an alignment? It can be obvious if you see very uneven tire wear, but otherwise it isn’t easy for someone to eyeball and honestly know if it’s needed or not.

and what are “impacted wheels”? what is the cause? were you in an accident? I’m skeptical about this one.

11

I’m also curious about the wheels. I go offroading and have beat the snot out of my wheels on rocks, but they are not bent or in need of replacement. Unless they put them on a balance machine and found they were bent, or they are obviously visually screwed up, I’d be a little skeptical.