Need exhaust work in my area!

I've got a 1998 Mazda protege I want to get on the road before gas
goes to $3 bucks a gallon in the US.

I'm in northern virginia, can anyone recommend a ustworthy shop that
will put on a new exhaust? I'm willing to drive to Maryland or
anywhere near.

Or maybe a place I can order a complete exhaust and install it myself.



Please post reply here.

I would check a local franchise, i.e. MIDAS, MIENIKE <sp?>, etc. for
competative pricing, warranty, and nationwide availability for follow
up issues.

I recommend AVOIDING the national franchise places. When I needed a
new exhaust for my 1985 Escort, I ordered one from the dealer. It was
everything past the catalytic converter in one big piece. I bought it
and some new rubber hangers to a local place and paid them $50 to
install it. It was actually pretty cheap. Had to wait a couple of
weeks to get the exhaust though. I figured that if the original one
lasted 10 years, may as well stick with that. Aftermarket places like
Mieneke and Midas use crap for parts then try to gouge you again when
try to make good on the warranty. Why bother when the good stuff is
cheap enough? I think I spent maybe $200 when I did this.

jo wrote:
> I've got a 1998 Mazda protege I want to get on the road before gas
> goes to $3 bucks a gallon in the US.
>
> I'm in northern virginia, can anyone recommend a ustworthy shop that
> will put on a new exhaust? I'm willing to drive to Maryland or
> anywhere near.
>
> Or maybe a place I can order a complete exhaust and install it
myself.
>
>
>
> Please post reply here.

I've heard nothing but good things about Currie's in Centreville but I
don't know if they do exhaust work or not. Also I've heard of a good
custom exhaust shop on Rt. 3 near Gambrills, MD. Unfortunately I'm in
your area but can't give you a whole lot of recommends as most of the
cars I drive have good aftermarket support so if I need a new exhaust I
just order a complete aftermarket system and install it myself.

good luck,

nate

On 7 Apr 2005 0606 -0700, scott_z500@my-deja.com wrote:

>I recommend AVOIDING the national franchise places.
>....
> Aftermarket places like
>Mieneke and Midas use crap for parts then try to gouge you again when
>try to make good on the warranty.

Agreed. Their trick is to warranty only part of the installaton and
parts. The pipes are not (usually) warrantied, and then when they
replace the warrantied muffler they destroy the pipes taking it off.
At that point it is buy new pipes (which you may not have needed) just
to get that 'free' muffler! Ug!!!

If you can do it yourself, that's what I'd do. Replace everything you
can at one time, once stuff is in for a while it won't come apart come
hell or high water...

I guess I have been extremely lucky with dealing with muffler shops.

I would also add then when I did mine, it was one long piece from the
back of the catalytic converter to the end. No individual pieces. I
think it's better that way too (just harder to fit inside the car on
your way home from the parts place).