My 2003 camry XLE 2.4L started sounded a little noisy and sometimes I can smell exhaust gas in the cabin. Dealer told me it would cost $2500 to replace the whole exhaust system because they don't so patching, only replacement. My service advisor said it might be better to find a muffler shop. So I did and still got quoted $1500. I was told only flex pipe is the problem but because it is a 16 year old car, the exhaust system is so rusted that they can't just weld a replacement flex pipe on. So they have to replace everything down from but not including the catalytic converter. I did some research on the parts on the exhaust system downstream of the catalytic converter and it appears that I need a resonator, exhaust pipe, muffler and exhaust tip. Does it sound right that replacing all these parts cost $1500 including labor? I look up prices for these walker parts and seemed to add up to just $500 - $700. Am I missing something or am I being ripped off?

 

The Toyota dealers statement follows dealer SOP. Toyota dealers do not repair exhausts but replace them.

A bad flex pipe is common. Normally the flex pipe only would be replaced at say $150+. Not sure if age is a problem but rust could be.

Suggest getting other quotes. If you can get parts for $500-700, a shop should be able to get them cheaper then you to make more profit. This means at least $800-1000 for labor which seems excessive. Try smaller owner/operator exhaust shops for quotes.

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