Thread: Parts Guy Rant
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Old 02-05-2016, 03:26 PM   #3 (permalink)
redpoint5
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Location: Oregon
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Acura TSX - '06 Acura TSX
90 day: 24.19 mpg (US)

Lafawnda - '01 Honda CBR600 F4i
90 day: 47.32 mpg (US)

Big Yeller - '98 Dodge Ram 2500 base
90 day: 21.82 mpg (US)

Prius Plug-in - '12 Toyota Prius Plug-in
90 day: 57.64 mpg (US)

Mazda CX-5 - '17 Mazda CX-5 Touring
90 day: 26.68 mpg (US)

Chevy ZR-2 - '03 Chevrolet S10 ZR2
90 day: 17.14 mpg (US)
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I always buy the cheapest brake pads. The difference between the ones the parts counter guy is trying to sell me, and the ones I'm insisting on buying is the "warranty". Other than that, they are absolutely identical. At 2.5x the cost of the cheap pads, they can shove their warranty. It's just an upsell like gap insurance.

I've gone to ceramics, but only because I never want to replace brake pads again. I'll just keep a price watch out on the pads for any new-to-me vehicle, and when it comes time to replace, I'll already have them, and for the same price as the cheapo metal pads.

Also, I don't let other people wrench on my vehicles. There is no way they care as much about doing it right as I do. Sure, there are great mechanics out there, but the majority are poorly paid, poorly educated, and not really interested in the work. The real shame is that mechanics don't have higher prestige and pay.

To make the problem of pay worse; the occupation will be in less demand as technology improves.

Now auto body on the other hand is an art, and I'm no artist.
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