Getting ripped off at Car services?

Every time I have my car serviced I can't help but feel that I'm getting ripped off! They always want to change the break pads after 15k miles and when you look at what they've done most of the service is just checking and inspecting things apart from changing the oil. They charge 200 quid for front brake pads but the part only costs about 30 quid. Has anyone ever been tempted or able to do some of the basic work themselves like changing pads discs etc or is it best left to the experts?

I drive a VW.  Had it from new.  

Hell will freeze over before anything goes wrong with, or breaks down on that car.

Bloody Germans, eh..?

You can change brake pads yourself - it's not overly difficult it's the putting things back together that is always trickey. They are the most important part of your car that keeps you alive so I'd bare that in mind.

You shouldn't be getting charged £200 for changing of brake pads. It should take no more than 1.5 hours on most new cars.