Our 98 camry, V6 has had a louder noise coming from the from of the exhaust lately so I brought it in to a KOST Tire and Muffler shop.
After inspecting, they said there is a hole in the flex pipe, that is where the sound is coming from, gaskets are rusted etc, if they take off that first part, from manifold to end of catalytic converter, the clamps may break that attaches to the next art of the pipe that goes back to the muffler. If they take of that clamp by the muffler that clamp may break and I would need a whole new muffler, so they basically wanted to sell me an entire exhaust system for $1383.00 from exhaust manifold to tailpipe.
Wow.
The front pipe was quoted at $619.89. Mid pipe $198.95, muffler $260.00, gaskets $13.99, labor not included.
So I go home and look up online the front pipe, I find one for $270 and then another one (California emissions) for $350.00.
I didn't think my car would fall into the California emissions since I live in NY, but looking under the hood it seems it is a California car (still confused on if I'm reading that right, or if it means I need the california front pipe.
My question, should I order the piece myself (after I find out which one I need) and try this myself? Or get a second opinion? Thanks