Comments below.

Bob

"Steven M. Scharf" > wrote in message
ink.net...
> "Scout" > wrote in message
> ...
> > How can Midas install brakes for $39.95 and guarantee them for life?
> > There has to be a catch, some snag, like with the Monkey's Paw theory.
> > Anyone know what the catch is?
>
> 1. They expect that most people won't keep the car long enough for them to
> have to replace the pads, the guarantee is not "for life" it's for as long
> as you own the car.

The Midas radio commercials in my area (Chicago, IL) advertise the lifetime
warranty is transferrable to whoever purchases your vehicle so this is not
as you state. (I've never used Midas and do them myself so don't know what
the catch is either...)

>
> 2. They use very low end parts, that don't cost them much, and they pay
> their employees very little.

No comment as no experience.

>
> 3. The $39.95 almost certainly does not include turning the rotors, they
> will likely charge at least $20 per rotor to turn them.

I agree. Or more if they need to replace them as will likely be the case.

>
> 4. They are counting on selling you new rotors, either at the time of
> service, or time of replacement.

yes, seems likely this is the stratgy

>
> 5. They are counting on selling you calipers, either at the time of
service,
> or the time of warramty pad replacement.

Again, yes, I agree

>
> 6. On most cars, replacement of pads or shoes is a very quick job, no more
> than an hour. So with a parts cost of about $3-5, the $35 for an hour of
> shop time isn't a big loss for them.

I don't know how you estimated $3-5 cost for brake pads. I pay about $80
for my ceramic pads whihc list at close to $100 and even the cheapest pads
are priced in the $50 range at the local auto parts store. I seriously
doubt the $3-5 cost is an accurate estimate. I'd estimate that even the
cheapest pads Midas could find would cost $20-$25.

>
> 7. They are hoping to sell you shocks, struts, a muffler, a catalytic
> converter, tires, etc.

Yes, yes!

>
> 8. They will try to sell you upgraded pads for a higher price.

No experience so can't comment.

>
> 9. They will try to sell you anti-squeal devices or goop.

Same

>
> In general, an offer of a lifetime warranty from any vendor of parts or
> services is a good way to know that you should avoid that vendor.

I do not agree. It just means you need to do your homework and be aware of
how they will try to "upscope" you while you are there!