I knew that the $100 deal to do an entire brake job was too good to be true. I was right. It's nothing more than a bait and switch and probably illegal. Sounds like business as usual for Just Brakes, judging by everything I've read here and based on what actually happened to me.
Similar to the other accounts on this site, they told me I needed all sorts of repairs and work done to my brake system. I ended up declining ALL their suggestions and got my car back, took it to another auto shop (who I know to be truthful and reliable) and they laughed. "We see this every single time with Just Brakes, " said the mechanic. "They get you in for $100 and use fear tactics to make you think you need to have other work done, when in fact nothing is wrong."
These are the lies Just Brakes told me followed by what the real mechanic determined. Quoted items are taken verbatim from the Just Brakes written estimate (which, by the way, they resisted giving to me once I declined the service!)
1. Front pads are "cracked and flaking" proven untrue. 60% of the life is left on them and they are not cracked or flaking in any way. I saw them.
2. Calipers have "pistons sticking" proven untrue. Calipers and pistons in perfect working condition.
3. Rear left pad not contacting the rotor proven untrue. This ties in with the caliper/piston lie.
So when they called me with all the 'bad news", they said they'd need to do it all to make the car safe to drive. They wanted to charge me a total of $761. I told them forget it and not to do ANY work at all. They called me back 10 minutes later, saying "Well I talked to the manager and we can knock off $40 by giving you a bleed, fill and adjust for free." I declined again and went to get the car before they "found" something else wrong with it. When I picked it up they had the nerve to say, "We're the cheapest place around, you know." I actually laughed in his face. The grandest lie of all, saved for the very end.
STAY AWAY from Just Brakes and take your vehicle to a reliable mechanic. I am saving over $400. Tell your friends, family and anyone who'll listen that Just Brakes is a big fat lying ripoff!
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