I am of the opinion that I was overcharged for the front brake rotors for my 1997 Mercury Grand Marquis on November 17.
I had earlier obtained a detailed written estimate from an independent garage in Fitchburg, MA including cost by axle for pads, labor and rotors, if necessary. The quote for front rotors was $63.26 per rotor. The local Mercury dealer charges $71. AutoZone charges $27.99 for a Duralast rotor with a 2 year warranty and CAPS charges $29.95.
When I went to Meineke with a form to be completed with the same detail per axle as the independent garage they were reluctant to provide me with a detailed written estimate including the price per parts and simply said the brake job would cost $253.80. When I asked what it would cost to have the rotors turned if necessary they said:, "about $50 more". I neglected to ask the cost of replacement rotors thinking they would not charge more than the $71 at the Mercury dealer. When I got my bill it was for more than $400 which included $100 each for front brake rotors and a charge for disposing of my parts which I did not authorize.
Normally when I have repair work done I am offered my old parts so that I can see the wear to the old parts and to ensure the parts have actually been replaced. Meineke did not offer me my old parts and charged me to dispose of them. The rotors they have installed have only a 90 day warranty almost two years less than the 2 year warranty at Autozone for $144 more for the two rotors.
I was charged $66 more per rotor than the average price at the independent garage and the Mercury dealer and three times more than the auto parts stores.
When I e-mailed Meineke corporate customer service they told me that the local franchise charges rates that are competitive in the area. Their parts charges are not competitive. When I wrote to the local Meineke franchise they were not courteous enough to reply to my letter.
Meineke is afraid to provide a detailed written estimate but practices deceptive pricing so that they can overcharge for parts they are not willing to put in writing. I am certain that they require their suppliers to give them prices "up front" before they place an order but they will not extend that same courtesy to their customers.
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