I've bought an approved used Q8 50 tdi, had it 2 months, apparently after a health check it looks like my pads are down to 12mm, apparently they're recommended changed at 9mm so 3mm left.

The car does no more than 2500 miles a year, how much life could there be left in these pads?

I've been told there's a lip developing in the disc too, not really sure myself.

I know both jobs (discs and pads) are quite expensive, the independents for some reason charging about 50% more than the main dealer!

I think its because they're actually sourcing the parts from the dealers or so I've been told.

Not sure if it's worth taking up with the supplying main dealer?  

Edited July 9, 2025Jul 9 by AudiAfficianado

I'd recommend a second opinion as the main dealer often has a habit of wanting to change parts early for upsale of work. 

You are worrying unnecessarily. 12 mm is plenty and should last months or even years, depending how harsh you are on the brakes and how rusty the discs become.

I'm hoping its the latter new brakes and discs are about £1200-1595, don't ideally want to be shelling out for this too

Was hoping for at least a couple of years of trouble free motoring

Audi are saying they need replacing at 9mm

Audi dealer experience has been very poor to say the least

Edited July 9, 2025Jul 9 by AudiAfficianado

Definitely get a second opinion.  The service advisor gets a commission on uoselling of work carried out. You're better waiting for the parts to be genuinely worn out in my opinion. 

Thanks that’s good advice