First of all, I am a greenhorn as far as auto mechanics is concerned.
With that in mind....

I have a '98 Max GLE with about 45k on it. We drive very less, as you
can see from the mileage. About a month ago or so, we started getting a
screeching noise from the brakes. Didn't cause any problems with
braking, but I decided to take it to the local Firestone service center.
They looked it over (actually I was there for a oil change & to get the
tires rotated) and told me that I need the following:

Front pads are worn 80% (need change)
Rear pads are worn 60% (suggest change)

They also told me front pads are ceramic, rear ones are organic - is
that right? They sounded a little confused about it. In the estimate,
they have said front ceramic, rear organic, but in another page they have

"Declined service - front metallic, rear metallic". huh?

Anyways, they also want to "clean the front calipers" for $65. They suggest

Front
ceramic pad $110.30
Brake Job front $90.00 (labor)
caliper service $65.00 (labor)

Rear
organic pad $39.99
Brake Job front $105.00 (labor)

Total with taxes+whatever would be $438.34

Couple of things
1) I have a vague "getting ripped off" feeling
2) Do they know what kind of brake pads go on what? (LOL)
3) What's that caliper service thing? Wipe it with a rag for $65?

Anyways - I had a bunch of coupons so the inspection/estimate etc.
didn't cost me anything, but wondering what to do now. BTW, the
screeching sound it gone - probably they cleaned it up to look it over -
hehe.

I am open to advice re:how to do it myself (if I should), or where to go
to get this done. I am in the Chicago suburbs.

Thanks!