I'll try to make this is simplistic as possible, as I have a problem with typing too much information when trying to make a post (IE, this sentence is already too long haha :P) anyways...

My girlfriend has a 2003 Honda Civic LX, which has had the brakes squealing on it for about 3 months now. I told her this is an indicator that she needs to have her brakes replaced, she said okay and that was about it

Today her brakes went out on her on a major highway and she'* still taking the car out tomorrow to go to work (Which I am NOT happy with btw). Anyways;

Her parents want her to take the car to Honda to get the brakes replaced. The problem is, Katie is strapped for cash as it is, and you guys probably know how expensive a brake change can be at the dealerships. I told her that my mechanic said that to help us out cost wise, I could come in and he could take a look, and that he would give me the rotors back at that point to either come back with new ones (if needed) or have them turned down, and also give him brake pads to eliminate a lot of cost (which I think is very nice of him BTW...) OR like I originally told her we could do it ourselves on saturday or sunday.

The problem lies in the fact that her parents both are telling her to get it serviced at Honda. They both have Ford Taurus' (blech) and always get EVERYTHING done at the dealership (:ough:: overpaying)... Therefore she is probably going to pay 5x or so what she would pay if my mechanic did it, and she'd pay even less if we did it ourselves. The car is my girlfriends; she'* paying for it and pays her insurance and such, and her parents have not said they will give her money towards doing the brakes at Honda but keep insisting she has them done there. What do you guys think I should do? She'* already in debt up to her ears as-is (I've attempted to get her to sell the Civic and buy an older one in hopes of not owing $13k on this car but that has seemed to fall on deaf ears), she has to get her cat clawed/neutered next week and she has credit card bills that she isnt able to pay off. I've tried sitting down with her and going over her money situation but she won't, and I don't want to see her have to lose her car and her job because she can't pay for the car (and the car is her only way to this job).

What should I do :( I've been trying my best but it seems my best is not good enough. The brakes are just the beginning...

not about where she should get the brakes fixed but about her driving it... as a "victim" of brakeless driving accidents (see sig) do not let her drive it! Even if it seems like there is a little brake left...

She might take her moms car to work tomorrow... I can only hope she does :?

I just priced it out, pads and rotors for ~$35 if we do it ourselves. That'* not bad at all.

Some people learn by failing. I just let people fail to see if that helps.

You can offer your assistance, but don't be surprised if she follows her parent'* advice. You can lead a horse to water....but you can't make it drink.

^ Very true.

I've even had her sit down with me and try to come up with a list of what she makes and what she spends... and something isn't adding up when she can't pay off her credit cards each month but theres a TON of money left unaccounted for that she didn't spend.

Problem is, if she ends up in a hole and needs money I can't even help her out. I just paid off all my credit cards and my GOOD paycheck doesnt come til the 20th so I can't do crap for her :?

Make her leave the rice at home and YOU take her to work

I'm not the most mechanically inclined and I did the front brakes on mine.

Get the pads and rotors and take the time this weekend and do it yourself with her help.
It can be a dirty job but then the two of ya get the chance to get clean together

If it were me and I had sat her down and tried to explain good reason to her, as you did, I would do 1 of 2 things:

1. Go get the stuff to do the brakes and do it yourself. I am guessing that it would not take too long and $35 is not a whole lot of money. This method teaches nothing unless you have her out there with you helping and then gho to the dealership and get a quote, (in the car y'all just fixed) and compare your time and money to the dealers quote.

2. I agree with Damemorder. She is not living with her parents and needs to separte herself from them more than just physically, IMO. They won't alway'* be there for her and she needs to understant that. Again IMO. I don't want to sould like I am bewidling your girl, just sayin' what I think and how I look at things.

Your GF needs to make her own decision on the brakes, if she lives on her own. Your job is to help her understand her options. The most important thing, however, is to make sure the cat gets neutered.