I called on one of the local dealerships, whose service department has been notorious for ripping people off, especially the Chinese senior citizens who are all over around this town. They talked $4000.00 for this. I am not kidding. Four thousand dollars.
When a condenser failed on The Beast, the same dealer five years ago told me I needed a new transmission. I am still driving that transmission today. That is when I quit using them.
I wanted to see if they are still scammers, and they are.
So I called a local muffler place. He said this will run about $400.00 and need a half-hour wait. He said he has after-market CAT units that will get this car into compliance. He said they are not as good as original equipment, but have a three year parts and labor guarantee.
"Buddy, I hear stories like yours every day. They smell blood, and try to bend you over... and then they @#%&*@#%+@."
He told me in June 2013 to call and make an appointment.