dealership service woes

[mindelevation]

was at the dealer for an oil change and was told my breaks are 90% worn (calipers still covered under warranty) and would cost around $400. my rear differential needs to be serviced for around $80. and my tires are dry rotted?

i dont have access to much tools and my automotive skills are limited. is the dealership my best option?

 

[wpsharpshooter]

Depends on how deep your pockets are... Any good reputable mechanic shop could address what you "need" fixed...

 

[jow]

What year model and mileage? I would get a 2nd and 3rd opinion. I always get a second opinion if I feel it’s over my experience. If it’s major issues and delicate to the model (engine, trans, rearend), I will get a second Dealer’s opinion. Otherwise, a Major After Dealer or Trusted Master Mechanic. Too much money goes into overhead. Plus, many of the masters at the Dealers will work after hours “there and away” to reduce the overhead and Etc. jow

 

[mindelevation]

2006 sr5 39,100 miles

 

[d2huffman]

The comment from dealer about tires may well be true. Tires have a life span of about 7 years and they start breaking down and failing - regardless of milage. I saw it happen on my buddys truck - about 15,000 on some pretty good michlin truck tire and they started comming apart after 7 years - he had even had covers on them from sun.
Around here, NW, I have found that the dealers are cheaper than the specialty independance and higher than the cut rate shops. But they back their work better than the cut rate shops do. They are very competative now adays. It used to be that I would never have taken my vehicle to a dealer for work and now I go there more often than not. I also know that some of the dealers around are still not trustworthy.

 

[mindelevation]

Went to pep boys to get a second opinion, looks like I need pads all around. They are also charging around 400. Went to a local established shop and they quoted me 308 with oem pads. I guess that's where I'll go.

I found a local guy who will sell me his 6spoke alloy fj wheels and tires (with 25k) for $250 for all 5. I wanted to keep stock size wheels but should I just bite? Or just shell out the money for some hankook dynapro atm rf10 on my stock sr5 wheels. I wish I had the money to do both