Hey all, first post but will definitley not be my last

Picked up a 98 KF Verada EI with 123,000kms on the clock last week for $4900, they advertised it for $5500 and said yes straight away to $4900 so I probably could have gotten it even cheaper..oh well

Anyway I took it to my local mechanic today to get it checked out and he recommended I replace the muffler, not really up on all the tech details as to what was wrong with it but it did have a noise coming from it which sounded louder than it should, like it had a sports exhaust on it

Got it replaced for $280 which I though was pretty reasonable and is now quiet as a mouse...anyway my question is do you think that $280 is a decent price or could I have gotten it cheaper? It's too late now but just want to know so I can assess the honesty of my mechanic.

Cheers

You'd probably have to know exactly what brand and model of muffler your guy supplied, in order to compare price - also how much was parts cost and how much was labour.

It common for folks in this forum to use a "sports" muffler on base models or Verada's - gain a small amount of power through better exhaust flow, at expense of some noise increase. Certain aftermarket mufflers of less-restrictive design are reputed to have an annoying "drone" approx 2000 RPM, which means in an auto model its more noticeable, and I think in this respect AWD models are worse again.

SEARCH button will reveal a never-ending array of opinions about exhausts and mufflers. There are after-market mufflers available that are simple bolt-on replacement of OEM muffler, from approx in-line with back wheels through muffler to tips. Labour for these should be minimal, cos its 3 bolts and a few rubber mountings to swap old for new. If you buy a muffler ONLY, and need pipe cut/welded, you could expect price to increase for labour.


EDIT: Welcome to AMC. Try to use SEARCH if you have the slightest inkling that your question may have occurred to others - or else have a flame-suit handy!! There's lots of excellent info and real good people in here, as well as inspiring cars and good ideas for mods. There's occasionally soem ding-dong barney's in the flow of discussion, too. I have become tragically addicted to these forums, hope you'll find them fun and informative as well.
If your happy, you haven't done too bad. If I replace muffler on my 200 KJ, I think I'll go for a "sports" or "VRX" style, but probably aftermarket brand for cheaper than OEM price. Sadly, I'll be need the intermediate pipe before I'll need a replacement/better muffler.

Thats not too bad I reckon. But really at the end of the day, if your happy with it, then it cost exactly the right amount. :woot: And welcome to the club!

Cheers, thanks for the info

Hi mate welcome to the club

Which part of NSW are you from.


Cheers Brad

The price seems fine for a replacement muffler....gotta allow some maintenance money when you buy a 2nd hand car.

Nice cars those 98 Verada's price sounds right for it as well....I picked up the 97 Verada with 140k's for around the same price. Looking around the used car scene there's nothing with the same value. That cars going to last you another 7 - 8 years if you treat it right.

Congrats on joining the club :beer:

Hi mate welcome to the club

Which part of NSW are you from.


Cheers Brad


Western Sydney mate, just near Parramatta