Expert: Mike Evans - 5/29/2009

Question
Hi there,

I took my 2-door 1999 Honda Civic EX to the repair shop because I had been hearing a loud noise during acceleration, and basically anytime the car was in gear.  They told me that the muffler and gasket needed to be replaced and quoted me a price of $330.  That just sounded like too much money, so I wanted to check if that is reasonable.  They told me that the labor was only $72 and the parts were what was expensive. I guess my question is, is this reasonable?  Should I get the work done at this place or should I take my car elsewhere?

Thanks so much for your help!

Answer
    If it's just one piece of the exhaust system (there are three), then that's too much.  If it's the muffler and pipe and resonator, then it's pretty reasonable.  Actually it's reasonable for just two of those pieces, 'cause you have to remember that you're going to be paying list price at a shop.  But for one piece, too much by far.