Nissan Repair: 04 Maxima SE Dash Brake Light On, brake fluid, brakes

Question
My dash Brake light was on for a day then went off.  It seems to be random right not (on and off throughout the week).  I checked:

1.  Brake fluid (just above min) - OK
2.  Parking Brake - OK
3.  Normal Braking - OK

Dealer(over the phone) says brakes need to be replaced.  The car only has 18K miles.  I can see pads but not rotors etc.

What are your thoughts?  I'd like to avoid the dealer costs for brakes.

Answer
Frank,

Since the fluid is just above the min I would say that the front pads need replacement and not the rotors.  If the dealer says rotors tell them that the should look up the service bulletin that covers rotors.  Now, you can only get them to do the rotors if the pedal judders when you apply brakes.  But, if you have enjoyed the car a lot over the year you have had it the brakes are probably the only thing that needs to be replaced.  I would go with the factory pads and do it myself before I would let the dealer touch my car.  I only go to the dealer if it is under warranty.  Buy the pads off courtesynissan.com and save the bucks over list and save sales tax to boot, if you do not live in Texas.