Hi! I have a 1993 240 wagon that's in overall great condition. I've recently had it fully checked, had the AC refreshed (it's now so cold I want to spend the summer there), all new tires put on, and some front thingy replaced -- tie rod? Something like that. New brakes are looming in the near future, which will probably cost around $300-400. Anyway, about a week or two ago it started sounding a little throaty, if you know what I mean. This has happened previously and it turned out just to be a loose hose. I was hoping for the same thing this time. No such luck! I was told that the flange on the catalytic converter had rusted, and that I can't replace just the flange, but will have to replace the entire converter -- at a cost of around $900 (that's including labor). Ouch! I asked if there was a cheaper option and was told that there are some garages that might agree to weld the converter to the exhaust system, but then, if something goes wrong with one, everything would have to be replaced.
So, what do you all think? Are there better options that are also cheaper? I do know that my mechanic tends to be expensive (though they're also extremely good) so I don't mind getting some other quotes. Opinions?
Thanks much, Patricia