Hi all

Sorry to disturb the chat amongst knowledgeable types but I wondered if anyone could spare 2 mins to answer a query to someone utterly clueless when it comes to cars:

Unfortunately my Mk 2 2001 Punto failed its MOT recently, and unfortunately I'm getting it done at Kwik Fit (I know, I know - time was against me). Is anyone able to tell me approximately how much I'm going to have to shell out (in GBP) inc labour for

Rear Brake shoes (probable solution as I was aware they needed replacing)
Handbrake Cable
Rear Suspension Trailing Arm

Any approx costs inc labour would be great so I can ensure I have the cash!

Many thanks from a worried mechanophobe

Prices adjusted for Kwik-Fit:

Rear Brake Shoes: £130 (£20 parts)
Handbrake cable: £80 (£40 parts)
Rear trailing arm: £130 (£80 parts)

Plus any costs incurred when they use a belt sander on your tyres so they can claim they are worn and stab a screwdriver in your exhaust so they can claim it is blowing.

MikeSalt said:

Prices adjusted for Kwik-Fit:

Rear Brake Shoes: £130 (£20 parts)
Handbrake cable: £80 (£40 parts)
Rear trailing arm: £130 (£80 parts)

Plus any costs incurred when they use a belt sander on your tyres so they can claim they are worn and stab a screwdriver in your exhaust so they can claim it is blowing.

Click to expand...

Don't forget setting your car on fire and claiming it was a small electrical fault!

It pays megabux to have some knowledge of the machine you drive everyday. Not so you can change the engine in your lunchbreak but so you dont get the wool pulled over by questionable garages or those that give "off-pat" anwers.

e.g. "engine running rough? Oh yes they all do that - needs a new ECU" 99% of the time the fault wont be that costly but it sounds important and an often used excuse. Especially watch out for that one if they sell old used cars on the same site.

For parts prices take a look at www.shop4parts.co.uk They are cheaper than Fiat though some stuff is cheaper still on eBay.

Brake discs from about £10 each. Brake drums about £20. etc Brakes on Puntos are easy to work on so labour should not be hugely expensive.