Hi, I have the original exhaust system. Had loud noise and brought to a local garage. They said there's a hole in the catalytic converter and it needs to be replaced. They say they can only get a factory catalytic converter that costs $1,200. I saw aftermarket catalytic converters online much cheaper. I live in Massachusetts. Do I need to get the factory part? Also, in MA they do not do emissions tests after 15 years. Can I get just a straight pipe instead and not put in new oxygen sensors or the catalytic converter? On top of this, they said I need new exhaust all the way to the rear, so total cost is $2,400. Seems like a lot of money.
Thank you for your feedback. It is a front wheel drive and we did take it to an exhaust stop and they are going to put a new cat in and weld the areas on the pipe where there are a few small holes. The exhaust system as a whole is pretty solid. Said it would cost about $575.