Vehicle Repair Cost

[gilberte]

Well, the 2000 Chevy Tracker has been good to us up to this point, but we've just learned that the muffler has to be replaced for it to pass the annual safety inspection. Cost of the muffler...$700.00, sans labor.

The only part that is bad is where one would think a tailpipe would hook onto the rear of the muffler, but the engineering geniuses decided it would be better to make this a stainless steel, one-piece unit. And wouldn't ya know it, you can't get an aftermarket piece, only available from Chevy.

I though I had learned most of the ways to avoid getting screwed when it comes to transportation, but they keep coming up with new and ever sneakier ways into your wallet. Think I'll get a horse and buggy

[mightybooboo]

That is insane!

You should post this in the shop forum,hopefully the mechanics here will have a solution for you,they are pretty sharp.

BooBoo

[gilberte]

I'm working with my mechanic to come up with a more reasonable solution, just wanted to express my shock and displeasure.

[Hurricane Kurt]

gilberte.... If it takes your 'mechanic' more than 20 seconds to come up with a better solution than $700 for a muffler and labor, he's not to be trusted imo. You should be able to get an aftermarket muffler installed at any muffler/exhaust shop for less than $200 easily. Even half that shouldn't be a problem to find really. You either need a whole lot more than just a muffler or you're mechanic is trying to get one over.

Kurt

[Highground]

Any muffler shop with the proper equipment should be able to custom make a complete exhaust system for any vehicle for much less.
Shop around.

[tnhomestead]

Cut the pipe, ream it open a bit, slide new pipe in, clamp, add muffler more clamps done! 200 should cover it all and labor to boot!

[tiogacounty]

Any decent sized town in rural America has got a guy with the tools and talent to fabricate an exhaust system for just about anything. Your problem isn't unique and most people probably just bit the bullet and spend the money. Ask around, somebody will know where to send you. Good luck.

[roadless]

I don't know much about cars but I do know the local vocational high school repairs cars for the cost of parts only. ( usually at a discounted price).

[cfabe]

Just going to echo what everyone else said, take it to the corner garage and let them fit a generic muffler, or take it to a tuffy or midas or chain place and they will probably do the same thing.