Just Brakes, Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex - quoted $ 891 for brake repair

From:

RE: Just Brakes, Dallas / Fort Worth metroplex - quoted $ 891 for brake repair

About a month ago, I noticed a grinding sound coming from the right front brakes on my 1996 GMC Jimmy. 'Just Brakes' advertises an inexpensive friction reline in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex for 99.00! I couldn't pass up the bargain!

They advertise 'a complete friction reline for 99.00 in most cases'! I knew my repair would probably cost a bit more because I thought the right side brake assembly was probably shot. I took my Jimmy to a 'Just Brakes' in Arlington, Texas not far from where I live. The shop was very busy so I left it there for them to look it over and call me back.

I felt confident that these guys would give me an honest deal since they proudly show a Better Business Bureau sticker on the front door of the shop. When the call came to me some 4 hours later(!), a guy named Robert told me that he and the manager had gone over the brakes on my truck. I was told my left front rotor was 'way beyond throw away', the right front rotor was shot and my back brakes were not working for some reason.

He couldn't tell me why or how the determined the rear brakes did not work but they 'just didn't work'. The price I was quoted: $891.00. I told the guy I wasn't wanting to pay that much for brake repair. He said he'd get with the manager and call me back. During the return call I was quoted $560.00 because they could use "cheaper parts". Cheaper parts?! I didn't quite understand how you can come down almost $300.00 on cheaper parts.

I declined the repair. When I got there to pick up the truck, there was another unsatisfied customer arguing with one of their mechanics over repairs. They too had been baited into thinking they were getting an inexpensive repair. I watched the guy and his family get into their car and tear out of the 'Just Brakes' parking lot.

The manager gave me the keys and told me the truck was 'dangerous'. Never once was I offered a written estimate for outlining the repairs. I bought the necessary brake parts for my truck through a local parts store....less than $100.00! (250% mark-up?) I have a certified mechanic friend who did my brake job (and a tune up) for less than $150.00. MY mechanic walked me around my truck during the repair process showing me the damaged right rotor and caliper (the cause of the problem).

My left rotor did not need to be 'turned' and it had sufficient pad material for about 20,000 more miles. John, my mechanic, even showed me that the rear brakes were working. I left his shop feeling like there are still some auto mechanics who are honest.

Before you get your brakes done at one of their places, get a second opinion. Having a Better Business Bureau sticker on your window doesn't mean you are honest! I understand they need to make a living; just they don't need to make it off of me at one time. I wrote the BBB and complained and I even contacted the local television stations in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.