Originally posted by tnt:
1) "you must have hit something in the road. there is a hole in the muffler, which is causing a leak." He says to replace the muffler, since it is a welded unit, I would have to replace all the other things from thereon back (including the cat conv?). Price: $338 (He also said I need to get it fixed asap because when I stop, exhaust is coming into the car.. but I haven't smelled anything.)
tnt
Some more info to help you make a decision and try to keep the mechanics honest.: exhaust system "from the muffler on back" should include just the muffler and a short tailpipe, and maybe some kind of connector (not catalytic converter, that is upstream of the muffler). If the quote sounds high, ask him to itemize it (how much for the muffler/tailpipe unit, how much for connectors or hangers, how much for labor, how much for 'shop charges', how much for bull****).
Two ways to verify a muffler leak: (1) the exhaust sounds louder; (2) start the car on a cold morning (or any time you can see the exhaust) and look under the back end, if you see exhaust smoke coming out anywhere except the tailpipe, hello, you have a leak.
However even if you see a leak, I would say the only reason to replace the muffler is when it becomes embarrassingly loud. (Most people in my neighborhood don't even do it then...) I don't think the small amount of exhaust that may be leaking in would be a health risk - today's engines put out very little carbon monoxide.
Brakes - if they are telling you to replace the rotors, ask if they can be 'turned' instead. That means they grind off the bad surface and expose new shiny metal...kind of like sharpening a pencil. Kind of. That would be a lot cheaper, but it's possible that after 60k miles they are too worn to be turned - mine were.
Oh, also, if you have somebody replace the brake pads, ask to keep (or look at) the old ones,to make sure they are really worn out.
Good luck.
