Q&A

 Rookie

okay, break down: muffler $287.99 Exhaust pipe $ 308.99 Clamps $9.70 Gasket $15.99 Exhaust hardware $ 5.95 Muffler labor $95.00 shop supply fee $ 39.00 sales tax $ 45.76 !!!

 Master

Sulena,
These part prices are quite high, the labor prices are reasonable, and I don't know what the $39.00 shop supply fee is for? In California they passed a law requiring shops to itemize all the parts, because they found shops charging every customer these "shop supply fees" whether they used any additional supplies or not.

You should consider taking it to another shop, you can find one here in our directory: http://repairpal.com/directory There are a few in your area that our users have rated which may help.

The prices I have for the muffler and exhaust pipe are dealer prices and they are below the prices you list. Is this a dealership? Or are they using some high performance exhaust system?

 Rookie

thanks, these prices are crazy! the place i went to is Monroe muffler/brake & service. it's just a auto shop out here. i called a menike and he said that the price was really high too, so i'm going by today so he can check it out. he said he can bet on it that the price won't be close to that

 Master

Sounds like your making all the right moves, good work. Please be sure to review both shops so others will know of your experiences with them, good luck Sulena!

 Rookie

thanks, i will do that. thanks for answering me, lol nice talking to ya

 Rookie

so,Bret Bodas how ya doin? I got a new estimate that's way better than the $808 from the first place. I went to Meineke in new britain,and there estimate is $564. Instead of buying all the parts this guy said he is gonna make the parts i need by welding them, is this better? He said this will save me alot of money by doing it that way. My uncle wants me to check out one more place before i settle.

 Master

Hey Sulena,
I don't care much for welding the exhaust components together for a few reasons.
1. It makes it difficult to replace one part later if needed, because they are all welded together
2. The exhaust system is more prone to mis-alignment, and it is very tough to adjust if it is rubbing or hitting on something
3. I like to use parts that are made the vehicle, welded in parts are generic parts that are not specific to your vehicle

I live in California where rust and corrosion is not much of an issue, so the methods used to repair or replace things like an exhaust system will vary depending on where you live and the conditions.

I think your uncle is right, get another estimate and see what they advise, take all the info you have and make the decision that you feel good about.

 Rookie

i'm so confused!! ahh, i wish you were here to help me, lol!! you've been awesome, i kinda thought that welding may be a little problem so i wanted to ask you first. i will let you know what i decide.

 Rookie

hey bret, okay, so here's what i decided. My friend at work gave me her mechanic's number. He gave me an estimate of $ 708 not welding. But my friend brought something to my attention, she asked how long was i thinking about keeping the car and i said not long, i have like 2 years until i pay it all off. So she said why don't i go with the welding guy because it's the cheapest and i won't have the car for long so why spend more on it, right. So, this guy is giving me a 1 year warranty on the exhaust pipe, lifetime on the muffler, and 1 year on the hanger. He is also fixing the flex pipe which the other place didn't even mention. So i figure if anything goes wrong, i can take it back to him and he'll fix it cause he built it. What do you think?

 Master

Your friends mechanic sounds like the best deal, and with a warranty. Good Luck and don't forget to review the mechanic! Take care, Bret

 Master

Hey Sulena,
Good to hear back from you. I'm glad you got the whole exhaust thing worked out, and for a good deal too! Hope you and your car are both running good!

Kamikazi, I prefer not to weld the exhaust, but it depends on the vehicle. It's a much less expensive way to go and not as good quality.

Bret

Don't feel bad, I was charged about $625 to replace the muffler system from the motor to the back of the car when it broke free from the motor and I am a guy. A lot of the parts for the car where discontinued. The car was a 1995 Pontiac Sunfie.

 Rookie

Hey, bret how's it going? well i got my muffler fixed from my uncle's friend, he said i didn't have to replace the whole exhaust system, he said they were trying to play me, so i ended up paying like $280 for him to replace muffler, hangers, and flex pipe. I'm so glad he's my uncle's friend i saved a ton of money!

What is wrong with you people! I don't where you live or what country your from, but in Canada...that job is only like $180.00...all of you were ripped off!

 Rookie

lol...I agree! I live in Maryland, and my cost...less than 150 & I'm a woman:) Sis needs to either get a guy to get a quote or go to some multicultural shops!