Brake prices

[Tallulah]

Hi, just looking for advice about brakes. I had my service at Caffyns and they recommended replacement rear pads and discs. But I have had a huge variation in prices? Caffyns are £477, local garage £338 ATS £268 and then RAC Mobile mechanic who comes to you is £200. I really don't know which one to pick, don't really want to pay Caffyns prices but is it better to because they will use better quality parts? Any advice is very welcome.
Also I haven't had a brake wear light come on, is there such a thing on this car? Thanks

[Crasher]

VW pads can be daft money but their discs quite comparable to aftermarket in some cases (not on the S8 though!) but Golf 4 genuine ECO pads and discs as a kit are only £137.40 inc. VAT so three hours labour (there will be a LOT of derusting required) Caffyns are on £113 an hour… Bear in mind it is highly likely that once in there it will be found that one or more caliper is FUBAR at £242 each genuine plus cables, back plates and even the bearings as it is 25 years old. If Caffyns finds parts like carriers are seized or damaged by rust, they will be in a difficult position as they are obsolete genuine which is all they can sell. I would find a specialist who has an ECP account and can use Pagid discs, pads, calipers and cables and other good wheel bearings if needed and they can supply TRW carriers but back plates would have to come either genuine (£20.40 each) or Febi for about £10. With jobs like this we try and have everything we may need lined up to prevent Dead On Lift syndrome. Mobile fitters can be forced into compromises with jobs on cars this age where parts can be a trial.

[Tallulah]

Thanks Crasher, I couldn't previously seem to find a way to change my signature, but I no longer have my old MK4 Golf. I've had an old SEAT leon 02 plate since my MK4 Golf and now have a 69 plate Golf MK7. You answer made me smile though as it was the brakes seizing on the old Golf that finally condemmed it to the scrap heap along with many other engine issues! I have given up with old cars as I was fed up of having them in the garage every 5 mins, so will be keeping this MK7 until the loan is finished and then trading it in before I have spent too much money on it hopefully! I rely heavily on my car for work so having old cars all the time was a nightmare and a money pit sadly.