Quoted 2.7K for an exhaust system fix, is this reasonable?
Posted by Xealou@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 20 comments
I took my car (2005 Toyota Camry LE, 42000 miles) in to get an oil change, my tires rotated and an MPI. When I got the bill I saw a recommended exhaust fix for 2.7k, I didn't take it because I didn't know what the actual problem was. I was told I have a damaged flex pipe and need a new one + a catalytic converter since the pipe is attached to it (what | was told). I'm just starting to get into cars and repairs like this are out of my league, any advice appreciated
ProJoe@reddit
holy shit no that is not a reasonable price
Admiral_peck@reddit
Toyota cats are expensive. If you're finding a cat molded into a manifold for that price I'm impressed
AKJangly@reddit
Well a flex pipe is less than $50 even with markup, and you don't replace the catalytic converter unless it's clogged up with junk.
Even after paying a welder for their time, a flex pipe replacement should not cost more than $270, or 10% of your original quote.
Run away!
Admiral_peck@reddit
They likely don't want/aren't allowed to weld in that shop, meaning they'd have to replace the whole assembly, which likely means the catalytic converter too.
Not saying it's justified, they definitely should've just reccomended a muffler shop that does welding like my own shop does, but it is likely the only fix they're capable of.
They may not even have a welder on staff.
JEharley152@reddit
There is a reason why dealers and many un-affiliated service shops are considered rip-offs and crooks—-
angrycanadianguy@reddit
I wouldn’t keep going there, even for oil changes. If they’re trying to milk you for that much for a cheap and simple fix to something that’s probably not even an actual problem, I shudder to think what they’re charging for an oil change.
f5alcon@reddit
Straight pipe it
walkawaysux@reddit
This is the time for you to get two more estimates
nyrb001@reddit
If you're looking for it to be repaired back to factory standard then that's not unreasonable. However I wouldn't care about getting everything factory on a 20 year old vehicle unless you have some reason to do so.
Is there anything actually wrong with your catalytic converter? Not unusual for them to get plugged on older Toyotas, but that's all the more reason not to replace it if it's not bad yet.
Dependent_Disaster40@reddit
Bullshit! Nothing remotely like $2700 for a Camry.
nyrb001@reddit
If you go to Toyota and buy a complete downpipe and catalytic converter (NOT aftermarket) I'd fully expect to pay $2700 with labour. I also would never bother installing a new OEM one on a car this old.
jlhawaii808@reddit
Dealer? Take it to a local muffler shop i would avoid midas they can overcharge you. Also if your state requires a catalytic convertor or strict emissions laws that's why the price is high probably needs a new one
Woodstock0311@reddit
Many shops only do replacement on exhaust systems now rather than welding or bending pipes. If it's one of those with a cat, yeah that's reasonable. If they're just rigging something up in the shop then that's ridiculous
reedbetweenlines@reddit
42k, thats still like new condition for a 05. 1st its only a recommendation translation: they want your money. Unless its failing don't bother. If it concerns you i recommend getting a second opinion. 2700 before tax imo thats crazy. Also can you post the estimate, you can hide the shops name.
JohnSMosby@reddit
I was recently quoted half that for a custom mandrel belt stainless exhaust. RUN.
littledogbro@reddit
i would take it to another shop fast for another quote and then remember to never accept what ever the 1st shop ever tells you again -if you ever decide to use that shop.
nyrb001@reddit
If you're looking for it to be repaired back to factory standard then that's not unreasonable. However I wouldn't care about getting everything factory on a 20 year old vehicle unless you have some reason to do so.
Is there anything actually wrong with your catalytic converter? Not unusual for them to get plugged on older Toyotas, but that's all the more reason not to replace it if it's not bad yet.
wickedcold@reddit
That's crazy especially on a 20 year old car. Any decent greasy muffler and brake shop (even the chains) should be able to slap something together for a few hundred bucks max.
CasioOceanusT200@reddit
If no noise and no check engine, I'd ignore on a 2005 for now. If either an exhause leak or noticable issue, I'd get a second opinion from a local muffler place. Muffler place should be able to sort a flex pipe for a couple hundred and they'll tell you if there's an issue with the cat.
B5_S4@reddit
Absolutely not. The bad flex pipe could be cut off of the cat and a replacement welded on, no need for any cat replacement.