Buying car, need advise on brake pads before purchase

Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 HONDA JAZZ
  • 1.3L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 37,000 MILES
Hi,

I need another option please. Do I get them to change the pads?

I am about to purchase this car and my mechanic who did the third party check on the car has recommended that the front brake pads get replaced including the discs before purchasing. He says these will need changing before 5,000 kms

My mechanic has recommended the following.

FRONT BRAKE PADS

FBD FRONT BRAKE DISC ROTORS

BF BRAKE FLUID
Removed old brake fluid and replaced with new brake fluid. Pressure or vacuum bled each caliper and/or wheel cylinders by opening each bleed nipple one at a time until new brake fluid with no air bubbles is visible

LAB LABOR
Discs below minimum specifications. Removed pads,
caliper carrier and discs. Cleaned hubs and new disc rotors. Refit caliper carrier. Lubricated new brake pads and refit new brake pads. Test drove to bed brake pads to discs

the dealership has come back and said the pads do not need changing and have attached the following photos.

What do you think?

I am about to pay $12,000 for this car with only three months warranty. I am trading in a car (lemon) I brought from these guys a year ago for $8,900.00 which they are trading for $6,500.00. This previous car has been a nightmare since purchasing from oil leak to new battery to now what I think has always been the care, I suspect a gear box issue.

Anyway, lets say I do not trust them but they have said they will change the brakes if I can prove they need doing. Hence why I am asking you?

If you cannot see the image, the readings of the brakes I believe are.

1. 4.27
2. 4.69
3. 3.01
4. 3.07

Thank you so much for your time and thoughts.
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 2:44 AM

21 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning.

No pictures were attached. Can you attach the pictures?

If the rotors are under spec, they need to be replaced. You do not replace rotors without replacing the pads.

Why are you buying from the same place that sold you a lemon before?

Do not be afraid to walk away for the car. Have them repair it first then negotiate your deal.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:12 AM
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hi Roy.

Thanks for your reply. I am buying it from them as a replacement for my lemon. I actually only need a car for another six months (note I have two small children) and then I will be looking to sell the car. My theory is that by getting this Honda, I will be able to get a better deal for it. My other car is a Ford Fiesta sedan, 2010 but I know it definitely needs work. It has shuttered ever since I brought it, so know the gear box work will be significant. Or so my mechanic tells me.

See attached for images. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts an expert opinion.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:17 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Thanks for the pictures.

The pads are under 50% but the key is the failed rotors. They need to replace the rotors and pads together. For 12,000 for the car, they can afford $30.00 for pads. They have to remove them anyway to replace the rotors.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:23 AM
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thank you so much Roy for your advise. How can I prove that the pads are under 50%?

I tried to find specifications online. Also why should they to be changed is under 50%? The head at this Honda dealer put in CAPS on the report. These do not need changing. Again any reference points for me would be greatly appreciated. Also fab to know they are cheap, although obviously they make it sound like its above and beyond the deal we are making.

Just keen to get a little more information to give them tomorrow when I continue negotiations.

Many Thanks, Candice
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:37 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It should have been documented on your report in 32. Anything below 6/32 is below 50%. 12/32 is new. Any professional shop will not use old pads on new rotors. If they do, it is not a place you want to do business.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:43 AM
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Hi Roy,

I never got a report from my mechanic, he claims he is more of a see it and check kind of guy. He is very professional and is the one telling me to get them done. Pads and discs.

I am based in Sydney. The reading I can see if 3.01 what does this mean in context of what you mentioned above.

Candice
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:46 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, that reading does not make sense at all.

Ask the dealer what reading they have for the pads.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:51 AM
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Okay, so your feedback on the less than 50% was based on looking just at the images not the readings?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 3:53 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Correct but it needs to be confirmed.

It does not matter what percentage it is. You replace pads with rotors, period.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 4:01 AM
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thank you. I think their point is more that nothing needs replacing. They think there is up to 10,000 kms left on these. My mechanic says it is less than 5,000 kms and they need to all be done as part of the purchase. Do you agree? As you able to make a statement I can take with me as an additional opinion? That would be great. Thank you again.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 4:07 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
No, I cannot make a statement. I am here and not there and am going on nothing that is specific.

I would need to inspect it myself to make an accurate statement.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 4:13 AM
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Totally understand. Thanks so much for all your help. Have a great day.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 4:37 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 4:54 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It is Roy again.

What did they tell you?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
To me, it appears that those pads have plenty of life left in them. It is a little hard to tell from a picture, but I would say they still have half of their lives left. Your mechanic is probably either (1) playing it safe or more likely (2) trying to drum up some business.

As for the rotors, there is no way to tell for sure from a picture, as precise measurements are needed. However, I would say that with only 37,000 miles on it, the rotors are probably fine. I have seen cars with 200,000 miles on them with the original rotors still on there.

Basically, I think that the mechanic shop is trying to take you for a ride.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,292 POSTS
Sorry, I just saw the rotor measurements. I stand by my earlier statement though.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Candice, as per our lengthy conversation this morning, my suggestions have not changed.

My fellow technician agrees with me about this. There is not more suggestions from our end. They need to be done, period.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thank you both for your responses. So now I am in a difficult position. Equal again on both sides. This is so difficult for me as a new mum and no car expertise. I do not know if today in the sale I push this or just accept more money to spend in the future. It is so hard cause I have spent so much money now. For what I have spent I could have just brought a new car. Wish there was a simple solution. Thank you again for your time and help. Any more advise would be most welcome.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

You need to push for them to repair this before you take delivery. It is a deal breaker in my opinion.

Roy
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CANDICEQUARTERMAIN
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Thanks Roy, they have agreed to change the pads and machine the discs. Appreciate your help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, October 11th, 2018 AT 6:34 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links