My Skoda Octavia (2l) has a sticking break. My mechanic says he can use reconditioned break caliper to fix the issue. Cost = 150 euro parts + 50 euro labour. Is this safe/value for money? Is it possible top purchase this on line?
For critical components like brakes and engines, I never use pattern parts.
Where a part has developed a fault in use, i.e. a brake caliper, my experience with reconditioned parts offered is that they looked like they would repeat the performance a year later.
The term "reconditioned" should set all the alarms going in relation critical component replacement.
I wouldn't have a problem with reconditoned (as opposed to 'remanufactured') parts, depending on where they come from. If a company simply refurbish the branded parts there's no problem at all: they'll just dismantle the units and replace seals and so on. Calipers are not hugely complicated. The quote sounds ridiculous for one; I would expect a pair of reconditioned items for about €150.