My 95 Camry' (V6) exhaust is leaking because the intermediate pipe's flanges - where it meets the catalytic convertor and where it meets the muffler,are both rusted. I took it couple of repair shopsbut everyone wants me to replace the entire pipe along with the muffler. From what I can see, both the intermediate pipe and the muffler are in a fairly decent condition except that the flanges are rusted. As my knowledge about car repair is weak, I was wondering what my options are to get the issue fixed with minimum amount being spent.

 

The shops may not want to be bothered with this. For them is it is just as easy to replace the system, and make more money in the process.

Find a shop that does custom exhaust systems where they may be more willing to cut out the flanges and replace them.

The flanges should have a gasket between them. Determine if it is the gasket leaking or the bolts could be loose.

 

if there isenough of the flange metal left, you may be able to go to napa and get a flange repair kit, they go for about $16. Its just a clamp that holds the two ends together, Im getting one later this week.