How much is reasonable to replace the exhaust system?? Is it worth it>?

Question

We have a 99 ford escort with about 130,000 miles on it. We do the regualr matinence and use it mainly for our second car..the one to do local errands and the like in. We are hoping to get another 18 to 24 months out of it (so probaly another 10,000 miles if that). We had it checked today at a local garage because we were pretty sure there was an issue with the muffler. We were told that the muffler had come loose where it meets the engine and would need to have that connector (not sure on the exact term) replace at a cost of about $165. However, they said we need to have the exhaust system replaced in the next 6 months and to that gave us an estimate of $770. Neither my husband or I are car people and the person we usually ask about this is out of the country and won't be able to respond for several days. Plus, we aren't sure it is worth sinking that money into the car. Any ideas or thoughts would be helpful!

Answer 1

yea, I think there's a flexible joint for the exhaust because the engine moves a bit. Did they show you what's wrong? If not, ask them. Do they say you need a new catalytic converter? If your state does emission inspections, and the car passed, I wouldnt get a new one. I've never seen the pipes themselves rust through, it's mostly the muffler itself.

Answer 2

first things first, if your carb is pretty well shot get that stuff first... as long as the 4bbl is adjusted correctly it will run better than now for sure also a spectre filter is a good idea... then go with exhaust... i would say x pipes arent very important and theyre expensive... go with 2 and a half inch pipe all the way back to some thrush weldeds.... shouldnt be very expensive... or if you like extreme sound go with glass packs which will be even cheaper... id say shopping around you can find someone to do the exhaust for like 200-300 bucks depending on what you want exactly... this can all work the other way around too... i mean if your carb works fine now you could do the exhaust first if you wanted... no matter which one you pick your performance will be helped for sure with proper adjustment

Answer 3

the 165.oo is the manifold but the cost of the exhaust from the manifold back including the cadilic convertor shouldnt be more than 200 dollars but thats the going rate in missouri. They are really sticking it to you!
130 thousand miles on a 99 escort is alot of miles, but if it doesnt use oil and doesnt smoke bad then I wouldnt be afraid of the investment, its cheaper than a car payment for the next 2 years.

Answer 4

That seems pretty high. I would get a second opinion. Call around to get an idea. My husband has the same exact car and I don't think we ever paid over a couple hundred dollars to replace anything on it.

Answer 5

Take the car to several places, get an estimate at each place. Then pick the one that is the least expensive. It is bad to drive with a faulty exhaust system. It can cause headaches. It can make you sick and it can cause other problems.

Answer 6

shop around for a price. I you figure that the $1000 over a 18 mo period is only about $75 a month , thats alot cheaper than a car payment . and when you go to sell it you'll get a better price

Answer 7

Actually, that is very good if it includes parts and labor. Parts at a decent parts store will run you $400-$500 (catalytic converter being the big 'un). Definately price-shop, but honestly, that's very good.

Answer 8

Seems a little high. Get another estimate!

Answer 9

ouch.....wish I was there...hang out at Auto Zone parking lot one afternoon....ask someone to fix it for ya (not the employees)...offer em $50 !