[17CamaroZL1]

Originally Posted by Artos

Would you use the dealer or buy oem & use a trusted mechanic for stuff like the brakes / rotors...heck, even routine maintenance.

Any pros cons on the price difference & warranty??

I always do my own, but I know not everyone wants to. I usually always buy upgraded aftermarket brakes and pads because you can usually get those for about the same or even less cost than OEM stuff. If I'm doing rotors and all, I have been getting cross drilled and slotted rotors, that are zinc coated to reduce rust on any surface that is never touched by the pads, and I get them in a kit with pads, shims, slide boots, lube, and any springs or clips that certain vehicles use. Do any of these mechanics take the time to replace the boots, clean and lube the slides, replace the shims, and all of that stuff? Do they clean the hub to make sure the rotors mount as true as possible and apply antisieze to keep the rotor from sticking to the hub and making for tough removal later on? I always do my own fluid changes. I just don't feel like many mechanics will take the time to prefill the oil filter and do little things like that, which may or may not make a difference, but I don't take any chances. It probably takes me longer than most mechanics to do these jobs because of all the little things I do, but I save money and derive a certain satisfaction from turning my own wrenches.

As far as warranty goes, the only time there would be any difference, is when you receive a lifetime warranty from your dealership as long as you let them service it for you, but everyone I've checked on and been told about, the dealer charges an arm and a leg for some of those services. One vehicle we bought, the dealer gave us a lifetime tire warranty.....as long as we let them rotate the tires every 6000 miles, I think. I forget what they charged now, but I remember thinking......if these tires last 30-40,000 miles like they should, we'd more than pay the dealer enough to buy new tires and the usual labor costs for tire rotations, that I've always done myself for free.

All of that said, if you are fortunate enough to be able to easily afford to pay someone to do the work for you, then I'm happy for you and for the people you help keep employed and making a living. If I was that fortunate, I would probably find someone I knew I could trust to treat my car the way I would and pay them to do it for me. I would see that as a win for us both. Save me some time and headache, and help them put food on the table.

[Evolvedx27]

Originally Posted by Mr. Wyndham

I haven't found a single set of 2-piece rotors that can be had for a lower price (and similar or better quality) than OE...If you have, please share - I don't want to spend money I don't have to.

Brake pads....are like sports. Everyone has a favorite brand/compound/etc...I believe the OE stuff (when properly burnished) hits that perfect middle zone of wear, noise, dust, and performance.


What I got were quotes...not all part numbers were available, so I guessed a bit. I'm curious to hear how the brake stuff ends up costing. (If you go with OE)

car is probably still too new for aftermarket rotors. im sure they will come out. my car is not gonna be tracked or daily driven so brakes are gonna last me at least a year. probably longer. most likely their will be aftermarket rotors by then.

[GoneBoy]

Originally Posted by Speedy1975

I get confused by some of these threads. You're shopping a $60K car and worried about maint costs?

I kinda get where you're coming from, but this car may still be a financial stretch for some folks. I hear guys driving $250k cars still griping about costs to maintain them. Not that they can't afford it, but money is money. Better to prep yourself in advance and chalk it up as the cost of having fun.

[DenverTaco07]

HUD windshield = more $$$

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by DenverTaco07

HUD windshield = more $$$

This is also a good point - and if you ever have to replace it, don't allow them to put an aftermarket windshield on...the coatings are awful, can cause the HUD projection to refract and blur.