Brake problems

[Kevinwulf0]

Ok, my girlfriend has a 1996 Ford Taurus she got from her dad, I have no idea of it's past maintenance history other than the fact that her dad should never be able to own a vehicle (he doesn't maintain them very well). Well my girlfriend just got it, and the brakes would squeak when she first go it, now (about 4 months later) the brakes have stopped squeaking, and have also stopped working considerably. A great example would be this morning when at 25 mph, I hit the brake and after 100 yards hadn't come to a stop, even though the brake was completely depressed. I had to pull my foot back and slam the brakes to make it stop. This isn't a constant thing, but I don't like the idea of her not having brakes, so I am taking it into Pep Boys to get the pads checked. I have never taken a car to them before, so I was wondering, how much roughly would new pads + service cost? I'm hoping the rotors are fine, that just the pads need changing. Also, I want to get the thermostat checked since the car heats up, but doesn't put heat through the heater. Help with pricing would be much appreciated, I really don't want me/her getting ripped off.

[wrightz28]

I would go try and go to several different locations (competitors) for estimates, most offer free 'inspections'.

[mwt47]

No service place will put just pads on .

They will want to put rotors and pads.

You can do a front brake job on it yourself for under 60 bucks if you are handy with the tools.

The most important thing is right now you don't even know what is wrong iwth it.

Personally I wouldn't believe pepboys if they told me I had a flat tire unless I saw it myself.

They have a terrible reputation country wide.

Mike