The cost for car repair is at a record high, but different dealerships have different quotes that amount to several thousands of dollars. Recently, a woman who owns a Nissan Rogue narrated how she was able to save her money by doing a little research and shopping smart. In the end, she was able to say goodbye to a $1,150 brake bill.
Her TikTok video went viral, attracting the attention of thousands of drivers who were tired of paying hefty dealership prices.
Why That $1,150 Brake Bill Isn’t Unusual
The dealership quoted the Nissan owner $575 per axle for new brakes. This meant that the whole bill would total to $1,150 for both front and rear. The amount was inclusive of labor costs. However, that amount is too high, and most drivers would find it challenging to cover it.
Instead of agreeing to the dealership quote, the woman decided to shop around for the parts.
Comparing O’Reilly and AutoZone
She first went to O’Reilly and found that a set of brake pads for both front and rear, plus four new rotors would cost her $550.58 exclusive of labor costs. Although this was way cheaper than the dealership quote, it was still not the best option.
She decided to continue shopping and went to AutoZone. She got a promotion on AutoZone Duralast brand, which sold the parts to her for $325. This was way lower, and she decided to purchase the parts.
Surprisingly, when replacing the parts, she found out that it was not necessary to replace her front rotors. So, she returned them and got $188 back. The refund lowered the cost down to just $112 for both the front and rear brake pads. This shows why it is essential to consult with a trusted mechanic and do thorough research before buying unnecessary parts.
Over $1,000 in Savings
Here is a breakdown of the savings:
- Dealership – $1,150 for parts and labor.
- O’Reilly Auto Parts: $550.58 for parts only.
- AutoZone: $325 and $112 after returning a pair of brake pads.
Why Rotors Weren’t Necessary
Although pads and rotors are often replaced together, it is not always a must. Rotors can sometimes last up to 70,000 miles depending on how and where you drive. It is only necessary to replace them when they are completely worn out or bent. Since they were not necessary in this woman’s case, she was able to reduce her cost from $325 to $112.
The Real Reason Auto Parts Prices Vary
Many car owners and viewers who watched the viral video were surprised by the price differences between AutoZone and O’Reilly. Similar car parts can have different prices depending on factors such as local pricing, house brands, and promotions. The driver was lucky to get the parts on promotion at AutoZone Duralast when O’Reilly’s BrakeBest or MasterPro products were priced so high.
This shows why it is essential to compare prices of different sellers before buying. As seen in this case, the same parts can differ in prices by hundreds of dollars.
Smart Lessons for Car Owners
The viral video on TikTok is an eye-opener for every driver on how they can save money on spare parts. This case teaches the following lessons:
- Don’t settle at the first quote. Dealership prices are usually higher.
- Research and check multiple stores and compare prices.
- Consult with a mechanic to confirm if parts need to be replaced.
Conclusion
It is important to find out the prices from several auto parts retailers and dealerships and compare prices. Doing so allows you to select the most favorable offer and price.