Break pad costs, surprise

[apforrest]

Hi all,

We've done about 20k miles on our 2024 VW beach and just been told our front pads are 80% worn and rear pads 75% worn and that the cost of replacing them all comes to ~£650! To me this sounds steep, is this expected?

Thanks
Andy

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Assume a VW dealership told you this?

If so, get them double-checked at a brake specialist. Sounds far too early to need replacement unless you have a heavy right foot.

 

[apforrest]

Yes, it's in for a service with a VW dealership. Assuming they are worn, are these costs to be expected?

 

[Mr B]

Yes, it's in for a service with a VW dealership. Assuming they are worn, are these costs to be expected?

No - that is a complete ripoff.

For example, front pads for my van:

Euro Car Parts | Car Parts Online & In Store – FREE UK Delivery

Car Parts for every make and model. Order Car Parts Online or Click & Collect same day. Free delivery in UK, 250+ Branches Nationwide.

www.eurocarparts.com

Same for rears.

I can change the pads in about 2 hours and that's on the street.

So lets say they charge £125 ph x 2 = £250 + parts £150 (most expensive option) + VAT = £500

Still taking the p1ss at that price, but that's main dealer.

If it was me I would get the parts myself and get a price from any reputable mechanic to fit them or go to a brake specialist.

You still have 25% left anyway so you're not going to be in danger.

Never take the dealers word for anything - always check yourself and see if they are offering value for money.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Yes, it's in for a service with a VW dealership. Assuming they are worn, are these costs to be expected?

I doubt that they are as worn as VW state. Get a 2nd opinion. + Modern brake pads are designed to be effective down the limit, getting them changed early serves no purpose….other than adding to dealers pocket!

 

[Kev56]

I doubt that they are as worn as VW state. Get a 2nd opinion. + Modern brake pads are designed to be effective down the limit, getting them changed early serves no purpose….other than adding to dealers pocket!

Like most things in life now, a rip off.

 

[apforrest]

I guess lesson learnt on this occasion perhaps. Being naive and trusting their recommendations, I already committed to doing it. Doesn't help that I had to drive 2+ hours to get to the dealership and I don't want to have to do the trip again. I think it may well be time to use a more local shop.

 

[apforrest]

Credit to the dealership, having shared this post with them they did just call and made adjustments to accommodate my concerns. They admitted that dealership is typically more expensive, which aligns with what I typically expect. Thanks for all your comments.

 

[LRGS253]

20K is half of the time they need doing. Dependant on how much you brake I guess!

 

[colintfcolintf]

I guess lesson learnt on this occasion perhaps. Being naive and trusting their recommendations, I already committed to doing it. Doesn't help that I had to drive 2+ hours to get to the dealership and I don't want to have to do the trip again. I think it may well be time to use a more local shop.

Which dealership are you using ?

 

[dspuk]

Ignoring the 20K, which sounds low, but really depends on many factors, and not impossible (for fronts anyway, rears, I’d be shocked) the price is nuts. Replacing pads on a vehicle, especially a 6.1 which does not have electronic parking brakes, is one of the easiest jobs you can do with relatively few skills.

For 4 sets of pretty good pads I would imagine 100 quid tops, rest is just your time and a few decent tools.

Committed does not mean you either have to drive there nor actually get the work done, it’s no skin off their nose.

If you are not super happy doing yourself then an RAC mechanic will do on your drive for 150 quid labour plus parts. So about 250 tops.

 

[Droversghyll]

Crikey, it's a VW van not a Porsche. Suggest a reputable tyre/brake shop for costs as others have said.
Good luck !

 

[chockswahay]

Hi all,

We've done about 20k miles on our 2024 VW beach and just been told our front pads are 80% worn and rear pads 75% worn and that the cost of replacing them all comes to ~£650! To me this sounds steep, is this expected?

Thanks
Andy

Yeah, that is outrageous! I had a similar price from my dealer but that did include new discs……… as it happened I bought the front discs and pads myself and local independent VW specialist fitted them for £60! Also he said the rear set had at least another 10k miles on them!

None of this helps if you have committed to dealer already but might give you a different perspective

 

[fantasque]

Just had a quick Google and there are four independent VAG specialists in Bristol. I imagine someone on here can recommend one.

 

[colintfcolintf]

Which dealership are you using ?

Which dealership were you using ?

 

[Lost Boy]

I had my fronts done at just over 30k miles at the dealers which was about £220, I'm now at 40k miles and the the rears need doing and to my amazement they asked for £350, parts are cheap (only £75 or less for the PAGID ones) and a mate is sticking them on for me for £50, I genuinely think the dealer was trying it on as it was on the ramp for a DSG oil change anyway!

 

[Meoncoast]

I think with the included 5 year promise on many new vans the main dealers think they have got you there and often catch you on the hop. On my last van I had all pads done, with Brembo pads and disks at a far fairer price than main dealer. If I recall I got a warning light before to indicate pads worm near limit.(Which was A couple of 1000miles before VW tried to get me to change them) The other thing is, main dealers lead in time which means they are causous when telling they need doing.

 

[pjm-84]

Sadly brakes are a rip off cost by the dealer.... I think its the safety element / concern that allows the pricing. ...... not hard to do.........maybe a leisurely 3hr all round sitting on the floor... probably half that time on a hoist in a warm garage.