Rotors: To turn or not to turn?

Hello,

I'm new to the forum and to working on my car. I have a 2002 Accent and replaced the front brake pads recently. The dealer wanted almost $500 to replace the pads and turn the rotors but I couldn't spend that much. I just took it to a Pep Boys to replace the rear shoes (I couldn't break the drums free or I would have given that a shot too) and they said I needed to replace the pads AND rotors in the front. Here is my question:

There is no pulsing from the brakes. Do rotors need to be turned EVERY time you replace the pads? I put the pads in according to the service manual but didn't have the tools to check runout (again, no pulsing)...could I have destroyed the rotors by not having them turned the last time? They look to be in good shape, no deep grooves, etc. I just have this sneaking suspicion that both the dealer and Pep Boys are exagerating. What's the real story?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

if the brake disc doesnt have a raised edge on the outer and inner disc then it should be ok (hard to tell without seeing them)

Usually 3 sets of brake pads equals to one disc.

Depending upon your driving habits, rotors may need changing more frequently because they are made thinner. I had to change a set of front rotors for another make of car at 42,000 miles.