I went to the VW dealership to get a new key made for my car. Well they told me also that I need new rear brakes. They wanted to charge me 397.00 for them? Is that a high price for rear brakes? thanks Elena
Disc brakes rotors and pads could cost as much as 400 at a dealership. Try independent mechanic for second opinion.
I had a 2001 Beetle, so I know the pain you are going through. $397 is a bit high. Check around. Unfortunately, if the rotors on that car are the ones that came from the factory, you will have to change them. The factory rotors were made of a softer metal than rotors of the past so if your pads are worn to the point of scraping the rotor face, you will need pads and rotors. Still, $397 sounds a bit high. A reasonable price would be about $80 to $100 per wheel.
Dealers are no better (or worse) than independent mechanics for almost anything you might need done on your car. They will almost always charge more per hour and often more for parts and supplies. They also tend to look at repairs a little different than the independent.
A dealer may well recommend work that strictly may not be needed, but could be connected to the problem or maybe replace a part when a little repair would fix it ALMOST as good a new.
There is no need to bring your car to the dealer for any service other than service that is going to be paid for by a recall or original warrantee. During the warranty period be sure to have all required (as listed in the owner's manual) maintenance done and to document all maintenance work.
I suggest that most people would be better off finding a good independent (Not working for a chain) mechanic.
Note: Never ever use a quick oil change place. They are fast cheap and very very bad.
Thanks for the Info, I know of a independent guy, I will take it to.