Since my usual and trustworthy mechanic was busy today, I elected to take advantage of a radio announcement for brake jobs. So, I went to Value Brakes in Jacksonville for the advertised special of $98 for all 4 wheels (per their radio ad and after confirming by phone that my vehicle was eligible)
I arrived at 11AM and was told by "Jeff" that he could get me in if I could wait about 45 minutes to an hour. I said "no problem, I will go have lunch and return" He was to call me on my cell when they were almost ready.
I returned an hour later, not having heard from him, but assuming that they must almost be ready. After more than another hour, they finally took a look at my car.
After the inspection, Jeff informed me that I needed the pads replaced and that 3 of the 4 rotors could be turned, but 1 was not within specs. I had looked up parts prices prior to arrival in case such a scenario happened and I knew that I could pick up the rotor at Advance Auto for $40. Jeff's price $159. So, since the rotor was only slightly outside specs (if in fact his measurement was accurate), I elected to wait on the one rotor, but to go ahead with pads. I planned to replace the rotor the next day, after having my regular mechanic confirm that it was not able to be turned. Jeff then told me that if I wasn't replacing the rotor, I should get a "better quality pad", so I did for all 4 wheels. After the work was done, I asked about the warranty on the better quality pads. According to the signs inside, the warranty on the basic special was 12,000 miles or 1 year, so I assumed it to be longer with the "higher quality pads". Oh, you don't get a warranty since you didn't allow us to replace the one rotor, he said. I want to know why he didn't bother to let me know about that when we discussed the work! I then said "but you did turn the other 3 rotors that were well within specs since it is usually included in the work?" No, he said, we didn't turn any of them. I asked why and his reasoning was because I wouldn't buy the one rotor. This was certainly a "rip off" place and I wouldn't advise anyone to go there. I see that others have also placed complaints for Value Brakes. I wish I had seen them prior to going this morning. Now, if my mechanic agrees that the one rotor is not within specs to turn, then I need to replace it tomorrow and still have the other 3 turned! I see in one report where a guy was told he needed 4 rotors replaced, Midas across the street said that wasn't the case and saved the guy almost $600 that Value Brakes tried to con out of him.
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