I'm in need of new rotor and pads for the Passat, however I'm looking at something that is better, in terms of service life, than VW genuine because the rotor life is the same as pad life (both needed replacing at 44000km and now 90000Km) which I find is a bit extreme given all other cars I've owned go through pads quicker than rotors.

Just wondering if anyone has tried ceramic brake pads (such as Hawk) with OEM rotors? Will ceramic pads be too hard for the rotor (ie shorter rotor life)?

I've been searching but have found conflicting information, some say it's bad and will eat through rotors faster and others say it's softer, quieter and gentler on the rotor.

Or is that just the way newer VWs are, rotor and pads changed at the same time?

If anyone has other suggestions for pad/rotor combo please advise

Thanks