Muffler

Not an exhaust specialist, but from what I've read and heard...

I don't think I've had a muffler replaced on a car newer than the mid- eighties. Since the exhaust system is considered part of the emission controls now, and the warranty from the USA for such parts is ?

5yr/50kmi?, they've really improved them. Also to stand the heat from the catalytic convertors much of it has changed materials to stainless steel. The old mild steel you'd get at a custom shop just won't hold up long at all anymore.

Mark '95 Jetta GLS - all original exhaust after ~120kmi

Well if the car is relatively new, it likely does not need a new muffler.

It is true in my experience that modern car's mufflers do tend to last longer than in the old days (for me that is the 60's). However cars still need mufflers for any number of reasons. Try the internet, or a local mechanic.

Your exhaust system longevity could be related to trip types. The exhaust mostly rusts out from the inside when exhaust gases cool and water vapor condenses out. Long highway trips cause the gases to get hotter and there are fewer such trips per thousand miles than short town trips. Short trips are harder on the exhaust system. Both rear and middle mufflers were gone on my 96 Golf after about 8 years and 55000M. A couple of years later the long pipe from mid muffler to cat was gone. Unless your exhaust system is made of stainless steel or some other non/low oxidizing material, I don't see any reason to expect it to last longer than they traditionally have lasted. On the other hand I have usually found that original exhaust lasts longer than inexpensive replacement exhaust. I believe this is simply due to heavier gauge metal, better weld joints, etc.

WP