My '03 G35 sedan has about 44K miles on it and needs new brakes now. I think I've got about 25% left on front and about 50% left on rears. Where should I go to replace them? Dealership or a local place (Midas, etc.)? What kind of cost difference is there between the dealership and the local guys. Which pads should I ask for if I'm going to the local places? Hawk HPS? Project Mu? Or stick with the OEMs from the dealer? Also should I replace both the front and rear at the same time? Please give some feedback.

 

For the original braking performance, go to the dealer. Only get what you need, if the rears have 50% left, let them go. By the time you need fronts again you'll need rears too. If you go to an "independent" service place you'll get "generic equivalent" pads. You may notice much less stopping power (but since you've got 44k on your 1st set, you may not be looking for stop-on-a-dime stopping). Independent shop may be 15~ 30% cheaper - if they have the parts.