I just purchased a 1997 contour (GL with the 2.5L V6) and it failed inspection in Maryland. The problem is that the previous owner didn't drive it much and so moisture collected in the muffler and created a rust hole.
Anyway, so now I need to get this problem fixed. The mechanic who did the inspection said that it would be ~250 for a new exhaust and another 300 for the install!!! This seems rather high to me, so I'm looking at other ideas.
So here's my questions:
1) What exhaust should I look at since we have to replace it anyway. Price is more important the most other things, but I want something that will last. I'd probably be willing to upgrade to an SVT if that's thought to be a good idea, but aftermarket options (Borla, etc) are not really what I'm looking for right now. In fact, stock would be fine too.
2) What should I expect to pay to get this installed?
3) I live in the College Park, Maryland area...does anyone know of a good place to get this work done?
4) Has anyone recently done an upgrade who would be interested in cutting me a deal on their old exhaust?
Thanks for the help!
-bryan