On Oct 5th, I dropped off my car (1999 Honda Civic w / 58K miles) to get the advertised $99 brake specail to replace pads/shoes on all four tires. I received a call from the mechanic about an hour later stating he found a leak and several components of the brake system needed to be replaced and the cost would be $450. I told him I didn't want any of this work done... Just the work offered for $99. He said okay and hung up.
A few minutes later I received a call from the manager emphasizing the serious leak and problems with my brakes. I questioned him on the leak stating they were not leaking when I brought the car in. He said the leak was behind the dust cover and could not be seen, but the low level of brake fluid showed there was a leak.
Knowing I just checked the brake fluid level less than 2 months ago I was very suspicious my car needed this kind of service so I told him I didn't want any additional work done on the car. The manager proceeded to tell me it was there "policy" not to change the pads/shoes on a car with a leak in the brake system because they could be liable if there was a problem. He said my brake system was a "time bomb" and the work really needed to be done.
My front brakes were squeaking because the pad was getting low so I replaced the brake pads and shoes myself this weekend. I found no leak in the brake system, plenty of fluid in the resevoir, and none of the "serious" problems they indicated to me.
I was very frustrated with being treated this way and I hate to think about other people they lie to that don't know any better. They are taking advantage of people's trust. Be carefull of their $99 special... It could cost you much more!
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