Hi,
I am new to the car world and this is my first car (details in signature as per the rules of forum). I am based in MA, US.

History,
I haven't done any form of maintenance until this point.

Problem Description
1)
Currently when I apply brakes to my car the wheel seems to rotate a bit in both the directions. It doesn't vibrate and this occurs primarily when I apply brakes.

2)
When I start moving my car in the reverse I hear a continuous 'semi-sharp' sound.

3) The maintenance light is blinking everytime I start the car and once the car is started it is off.

4) The pickup of my car (V6) seems to have reduced.


- Some steps taken

I took the car to a mechanic shop today and I got the following quote

- Replace the

Front
2x front brake callipers
1 (or 2 ?) brake rotors
Change brake pads

Rear
Brake Worn Out
Change Brake and Rotor

Air Filter - Needs to be changed

For Maintenance:
Oil Change

Optional:
Replace Secondary fluids

My Question:
I would like to know if the interpretation of my problem is correct. It was suggested to me that the best way would be to get the parts seperately and give to a mechanic to install/replace them. When I got the quotes from Auto Zone the parts for the price was significantly lower.
Would this be a good approach ? How can one choose a decent repair shop where you don't get overestimates and get only the right things done ? I saw one of the links in the forum refered by the admin http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/faq.html#transmissionThis was very helfpul is there more information about other issues like

1) Details on practical maintenance of car in cold regions like MA
2) Practical problems and solutions...
3) Some check points and time or mile intervals when I should be doing those or getting them done.

Please let me know your thoughts and comments. If additional information is required please let me know what you require and if possible the places to look for that as I am new in this world.

Changing brake pads, rotors, & calipers sure covers it. I would think pads & rotors OK. Without seeing the calipers firsthand I can't tell whether the shop is just including them because they can get more money, or if there's really something wrong.

If you're a do-it-yourself kind of guy, I'd say clean & grease the caliper slide pins, make sure the new pads fit nice in the caliper bracket.

Bringing your own parts to a mechanic is a can of worms. Some guys are OK with that, others are not. Sometimes they won't warranty their work if you bring your own parts. Their profit on the parts is part of the money they make... where do you work, and would you still work there for a 20% pay cut?? Best to ask him directly, instead of US guessing about it.

Question #4 is tough. Have to rely on recommendations or experience of friends who have found out the hard way.

Regular maintenance intervals will be in your owner's manual. Probably due for a timing belt soon, unless you really REALLY know that the dealer already did it. What maintenance records did you get when you bought it?

I would like to know if the interpretation of my problem is correct.
It was suggested to me that the best way would be to get the parts seperately and give to a mechanic to install/replace them. When I got the quotes from Auto Zone the parts for the price was significantly lower.
Would this be a good approach ?
How can one choose a decent repair shop where you don't get overestimates and get only the right things done ?
I saw one of the links in the forum refered by the admin http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/faq.html#transmission


1-4: If you lack the knowledge and/or friends, etc. that can advise on where to go, the best advice is to test the market, i.e. talk to a couple of places and see what they say, if diagnoses differ, cost, etc. Combine that info with your gut instincts about the different shops (did one seemed very disorganized, low staffed, etc.)

If someone refers you to a shop and you go in and it looks ok then it may be beneficial to show them the quote you have and just flat out tell them you are looking for someone to take care of your car and ask if they would just check to see if they agree with the quote you have or would suggest something different. That way the techs and everyone knows right up front what you are doing and why. Not to mention if it's a good place they should jump at the opportunity to get a new customer.

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