I took my 2012 is250 to a Toyota dealer for an oil change yesterday, after that was done they said that I needed to change my brakes and were going to charge around $500 for the rears. I saw a few DIY posts on here so I was wondering if it was a fair price or if I should just try my hand at making the changes myself to save a bucks? Or maybe purchase the parts myself and take it to an independent shop (Northern VA if any one has a recommendation)?

Also: On the vehicle status sheet they gave after their inspection, my fronts were seemingly on the brink as well (checked off as yellow). Might as well swap them all out, no?

 

Usually the dealerships charge a lot and you can save a whole lot more doing it yourself or pay half through a mechanic; you just have to find a trusty mechanic or a friend who's knowledgeable to help you DIY. Some say it's fairly easy to change out the brake parts, you just have to have the right tools.

 

I agree with cquence, changing out brake pads are not that difficult as long as you know what to do. Although, you may need more than just changing out the pads, as in, your rotors may need to be resurfaced. If you rotors need resurfacing, you will need a shop to do it.

 

Use the money you would have spent on the dealer to install them, and purchase yourself a nice aluminum low-pro jack, stands, tools, pads and install them yourself. The more often you do this, you'll soon build up a tool collection where you end up not having to purchase anything but the replace parts. Save thousands in the long run with DIY!