Fair price for MOT failure?

zappomatic

My 1996 Citroen AX 1.0l with 39,000 miles on the clock has just failed its MOT on these points:

1. Offside outer front constant velocity joint gaiter split
2. Nearside front brake pad less than 1.5mm thick
3. Offside front brake pad less than 1.5mm thick
4. Nearside front wheel cylinder leaking
5. Parking break efficiency below requirements (14% park brake efficiency)
6. Front wheels brakes imbalanced (27%)

The garage is quoting £300 to put right including retest fee and seeing to worn brake discs. Sounds a bit steep, is this price fair? (Am in central London).

Biffa

Do you have a mobile mechanic in your area? Check the back of the local paper. He'll probably be cheaper. Is your quote from a dealer? It seems a bit high to me, but then I've used a mobile mechanic for the last 7 years and he doesn't charge anywhere near garage prices.

Feux_Verts

Most of the problems relate to the brakes, so you want to make sure the job is done correctly.

Last MOT my Mondeo had front discs, pads, a new front wishbone and rear brake shoes. £350 which I thought was ok.

You're going to need a new CV boot, front pads and a new cylinder or repair kit so that'll be around £120, if they are quoting new discs as well at £300 then I'd say you are not short of the mark. If they are doing the work I'd be looking for a free retest.