So the rear disks rust and wear away... 
+ 1
  
  
Gears to go - brakes to slow ! 
 
I third that! Wearing out your brakes is WAY cheaper than wearing out your clutch. Using gears like this hasn't been taught for decades. 
On a 7 year old car I don't regard that as at all excessive. Rear discs corrode a lot more than fronts because they get less use. Especially on a low mileage car. 
But don't pay over the odds. Go to an independant and get a second opinion and a quote for branded aftermarket discs and pads. I used Mintex on my Saab all round and am pleased with them. Rear discs and pads (from Premier in Walsall by post) came in at well under a ton and I changed them myself in under 2 hours. 
Consider having the brakes bled if you've not had it done before. 
                            
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