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WSB Forum » WSB Reader Recommendations

1. jwws
   Member Profile

   

   I need to get the brakes on my Jeep repaired/replaced any local recommendations? Thanks.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

2. kellym
   Member Profile

   Me too...I have a Ford Escape 4WD...can anyone also give info on what the potential costs might be? Ballpark is good enough...never had to do this before so I don't know if its a few hundred dollars or thousands!

   Posted 2 years ago #         

3. maplesyrup
   Member Profile

   

   Chris at Alki is a great guy and totally trustworthy.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

4. JenV
   Member Profile

   

   Dere Auto has done my brakes before. They're fair, honest and fairly inexpensive. They're on 35th/Barton.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

5. kellym
   Member Profile

   can i ask what you paid for the services? i'm hoping i don't have to go into massive debt for this one :)

   Posted 2 years ago #         

6. swimcat
   Member Profile

   I had my brakes replaced (1996 Honda Civic) at the Midas in Factoria a few years ago and I think it cost about $200. It was much less than I anticipated. I was happy with the work, but there is a new franchisee at that location and I would not recommend going there now at all!

   Posted 2 years ago #         

7. mrhineh
   Member Profile

   Courtesy Tire is good. Also, I've heard the repair shop north of the YMCA, Tom's on Oregon st. has happy customers. Sentiment for Goodyear is mixed and poor. Most shops will estimate a cost for you and how much wear you have left. Expect $200-500 based on age of car (resurface rotors) and any other wear and tear. Outside of WS, I think Les Schwab is fantastic.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

8. Kimberley
   Member Profile

   The guys next to Blockbuster on California (behind Click) are excellent, charged us $200 (ish) to fix the breaks on our Jeep Wrangler a few months back.

   Posted 2 years ago #         

9. JanS
   Member Profile

   

   Kimberly...that would be Rick and Ron @ Harrah's Automotive 206-932-2204 :)

   Posted 2 years ago #         

10. bsmomma
    Member Profile

    

    I used to go to Toms. They do a good job. In my opinion, prices are steep. Stopped going there because they ALWAYS told me something else was reccomended to be done. Every time I went they told me I needed new wipers.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

11. maplesyrup
    Member Profile

    

    I have no idea what it will cost but from personal experience I do know that Chris will not sell you new brakes if you don't need them and that in any event your safety is his primary concern.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

12. Kimberley
    Member Profile

    Thanks JanS - Rick and Ron are very honest - two brothers (one's son has a lawn mowing business) and they are awesome guys (friend lived across the alley from their business for seven years and adored them, and appreciated their honesty).

    Posted 2 years ago #         

13. Kevin
    Member Profile

    Dere is excellent. I have used them several times. One thing to consider is that they have a lower hourly labor rate than some shops.

    Stay away from Midas, Les Schwab, and other shops that "specialize" in brakes, etc. They usually want to sell you brand new EVERYTHING, regardless of whether you really need it. This is how they can offer an incredible sounding warranty.

    Case in point, I got a quote from Les Schwab for brake work, and then went to Burien Toyota for a second estimate. The Burien Toyota estimate was HALF the LS estimate because they told me that not all the parts needed replacing.

    Stick with a small independent shop that you can trust, and don't forget to visit the dealer, sometimes they will surprise you.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

14. ephonk
    Member Profile

    We've been taking the old Acura to Doyle's. I think they've been pretty darn good overall. You WANT a good mechanic to give you a heads-up about things that may be issues in the near future, and they've been good about that. They've also suggested that maybe this car isn't worth putting a lot of money into anymore, which is damn decent of them considering that if we ditch the car, they lose a customer!

    Posted 2 years ago #         

15. CrystalizedGinger
    Member Profile

    

    Just had my brakes inspected this morning by Midas on Fauntleroy. My 10 year old toyota will need new front brake pads and new rear brake shoes. The cost for parts is decent, but the labor is expensive, over 300 for both jobs, and the total cost is over $500.00. Midas says it's because they gaurantee for life the wear of the brake pads.
    I think I will try Richard across the street at Maestro Motors. He's my go-to guy but I needed a quick oil change and he was so busy...never again.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

16. Erik
    Member Profile

    

    Took my old Toyota to Alki Auto a couple weeks ago because I was concerned about my squealing brakes.
    All 4 brakes were in great shape and no work had to be done. I'm just so used to popping it into 2nd gear to ride down hills and using a very light foot that the brakes never get the glaze burned off, so they squeak once in awhile.
    They charged me nothing.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

17. mickeymouse
    Member Profile

    For great service, reasonable prices go to Barnecut's Shell on Admiral Way, next to Metro Market. Andy and Dick Barnecut are trustworthy, reliable and stand behind their service. I have taken my car there for several years and have not been disapointed! Give them a try.

    Posted 2 years ago #         

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