brakes dilemma

[supermico]

I need to buy a new set of brakes for my polo, and with a new set I mean front discs & pads, rear discs & pads and a new handbrake wire.

I have been quoted a front set by ATE for about €100 from a parts shop (they also have TRW, brembo, bosch, and some other sets) and a front set from the dealers is €126 (25% discount included).

I forgot to ask the dealer which brands do they offer, i.e. what was on originally? I think it was ATE or TRW/Lucas?

What do you guys recommend?? I heard ATE is OK. Oh, and EBC, but they are expensive.
One more question: do the discs and pads have to be of the same manufacturer, or is a combination (for example ate discs + bendix pads) also ok?

[alexperkins]

Any mix is good - doesnt really matter what you combine!

I would always go original discs and pads. They offer the greatest performance, and have never failed me once!

[dub6n2]

ATE are really good disks and they are used by many car manufacturers and there is also the performance equivalent for them which are also grooved. a set of ATE disks and EBC Green staff pads should be a good combination. some good break fluid as you are fiddling with breaks will be great

[supermico]

Well, in the end I decided to go with TRW all-round: 4x discs & pads.
Changed them on my own. The removal of the old components was a pain in the a$$ as I had to drill out 3 out of 4 bolts that hold the discs in place, rethread and then clean the hubs thoroughly of all the rust and dust . Also I thought I would freshen up the calipers, so I cleaned them up and painted them in silver.
The brake fluid change is postponed until I regain my will to play mechanic again (next up is changing the handbrake cables). Also, I am a bit worried about unscrewing the brake fluid release nipples, as they are all rusted up.