My 2005 AWD Vibe (46K miles) has been very good to me. Recently the muffler pipe sheared off just upstream of the muffler. I took it to a muffler shop and they told me that because it was an AWD they cannot get aftermarket exhaust parts for it, that they'd need to get original GM parts for it, and as a result a an exhaust replacement would cost $1,200.
While I was processing that shocking number the manager said that a lot of people just ask for the break to be welded back together for $75 and that he's seen those patches last for years but eventually it'll break again. So I had them do the quick weld.
Eventually I'll need to replace the exhaust system properly. So, I searched for OEM exhaust parts for AWD Vibes and it looks like I can get ALL the parts required to do an exhaust replacement (from the converter gasket backwards) for about $676 at this website:
http://www.newgmparts.com/parts/2005/PO ... CallOut=11
I think (please confirm folks!) I'd need parts #8,#9,#11,#12, and #13 in the diagram to do a pretty complete replacement.
The question for GenVibers is, "if I buy the OEM parts can I do the replacement myself?" I am a fairly handy guy. I have a pair of Rhino ramps and the normal assortment of guy tools. I don't mind getting dirty. But I cannot weld.