[08versailles]

Hi Anna welcome to the NVF!
Whole exhaust system replacement is rare. I would definitely seek second opinion!
Google a reputed muffler shop or trusted Indie mechanic in your area.
As stated above, the flange in front of the muffler is a common failure, but a cheap fix.

 

[RedAlertV]

The catalytic converter would be the most expensive thing out of the whole system Anna, the rest is just piping so it's cheap. As 08versailles mentioned I would go with a second opinion. Below is a website where you can get the converter.

RockAuto Parts Catalog

 

[anna]

Thank you 08versailles and RedAlertV for your suggestions. I took it to another mechanic (brakes and muffler chain) and it turns out that catalytic convertor can still work but pipes and muffler is rusted. But still they gave me a quote for 800 and when I asked how much it would cost me for whole part to be replaced, they told me around 1700. I will probably take it to another mechanic. I also took a look at it; most of the part look rusted. Only good thing is the catalytic converter might not need replacement.

 

[RedAlertV]

Thank you 08versailles and RedAlertV for your suggestions. I took it to another mechanic (brakes and muffler chain) and it turns out that catalytic convertor can still work but pipes and muffler is rusted. But still they gave me a quote for 800 and when I asked how much it would cost me for whole part to be replaced, they told me around 1700. I will probably take it to another mechanic. I also took a look at it; most of the part look rusted. Only good thing is the catalytic converter might not need replacement.

That still seems overly expensive if they are only replacing everything from the catalytic converter back. Might as well buy an aftermarket exhaust system then, they run for 400 online. I'm sure you probably don't want to go aftermarket but I was just using it as an example. Either way best of luck and don't give up on finding something cheaper.

 

[anna]

I spoke to some mechanic, they would not use customer provided parts. I am kind of stuck at the moment and seems like I will have to settle down at 700 without replacing catalytic convertor but replacing everything till back exhaust pipe. It is pricey but its been more than a week and can't find anything better in this town.

 

[robj80]

I spoke to some mechanic, they would not use customer provided parts. I am kind of stuck at the moment and seems like I will have to settle down at 700 without replacing catalytic convertor but replacing everything till back exhaust pipe. It is pricey but its been more than a week and can't find anything better in this town.

I have found the same issue. No one would put on parts I purchased on my own. My exhaust started breaking only 4 years after I got the car. Now in year 6 it is pretty much non-existent. I think the only thing that might be left under my car is a swiss cheese looking catalytic converter pipe.

This really sucks because now I am getting a check engine light P0420 which leads me to the CAT. I refuse to spend $1k plus fixing the exhaust on this car. The whole car brand new only cost me $11k.

I was able to find all the parts I needed for roughly $400. But my wrenching days are over. I do not feel like spending a weekend on my back under a car.

 

[anna]

Finally some good news. One of the mechanics fixed rusted pipes and flange for 300. Rest of the system seemed fine to him so keeping my fingers crossed. Thanks a lot for the suggestions.

 

[Francesco]

The other day the flange on the muffler on my 2009 sedan failed at 72500 miles as it has happened to others. Since I could not remove the rusted nuts I cut the flange off and used a 4" sleeve with clamps and hi-temp 600 deg F RTV to connect the muffler back to the pipe. Total cost under $20. If I were to do it again I recommend a 6" sleeve so the muffler does not have to slide forward as much as I had to. It was not a problem since the 3 muffler rubber hangers had plenty of extra travel. As others have pointed out these muffler flanges should not be failing. My wife's 2003 Galant has had no exhaust problems and still is in great shape.

2009 Versa S sedan MT-6 with 72500 miles.