[theinfamousj]

My new-to-me's car's brakes started squealing. I have only owned the car six months, so I wasn't entirely sure if a dealership with a used car department (as opposed to a shady entirely used car lot) would sell a certified pre-owned without slapping new brake pads on it, so I took it to a closer mechanic for an oil change (needed) and to have them look see the brakes and replace if necessary.

The mechanic comes to chat with me and tells me that the brakes are fine and I have plenty of pad left. He even has a multi-point inspection paper with tread depth, engine, brakes, and a bunch of other areas assessed and graded. The sheet has his signature and recommendations. It rates the brakes green (great) and lists a number for pad thickness.

"You are sure about this? They were making the 'need to be changed' squeal." said I.

"Yes, your brakes are fine." was the reply.

"But why the sound?"

"Maybe they are poor quality pads. This is a thing that happens with cheap pads."

"And there is no way you could have confused my car with any other on the lift and we are really talking about my car?"

"Nope. I worked on your car. Other mechanics worked on other cars."

So I drove off, believing him because it is what a reasonable person would do.

Then, a week later, the brakes changed from squealing to grinding. Right, I know what you are thinking and I thought the same thing.

So this time I made a brake appointment at the dealership where I bought the car (farther and a hassle) and the mechanic there confirmed what I suspected: brake pads completely gone and the rotors were damaged beyond repair. Mondo expensive brake job and was unsafe to drive on. I gave them the inspection sheet that the previous mechanic had given me and the dealership confirms that all details, save the brakes, match up to my car. They are as confused as I am.

I tried to do the responsible thing and am upset that I was misled. I cannot for the life of me figure out what motivation the first mechanic had for incorrectly reporting the state of my brakes. I would expect it to go the other way where he'd recommend a brake job that wasn't yet necessary what with earning money and all; not the opposite. I am ticked.

Also, because of this, I have been out of use of my car for a full week (then Honda sent the wrong parts and while they were at it they noticed a problem with my axle which is a free warranty repair for which Honda again sent the wrong parts). I have had a string of three loaners, but I miss my car.

Anyone have any advice about what my next step should be to hold the first mechanic accountable? It was a AAA Car Care Center. I still have the bloody, signed inspection sheet and can likely get the dealership to write something up. I am not necessarily looking for money, but want to make sure that this guy doesn't put other people in the dangerous situation of thinking they are okay to drive when they will quite quickly be driving on no pads.