The other day my 2001 Accord started making a ton of noise while driving. Lifting the hood there was smoke coming out.

I took it to the dealer and they said the B pipe has separated from the catalytic converter due to rust. They said that the entire exhaust system is rusted through and that they can't fix any part of it without ruining the rest so the entire exhaust assembly needs replacement.

They quoted me $1800.

Even the dealer said I should look elsewhere for a better price.

Anyone have any advice on this situation, the cost or where I should look?

 

Which engine?
Sedan or Coupe?
Manual or Automatic?

 

Accord EX
4 cylinder engine
4 door
Automatic shift

Thanks. Any advice or feedback very appreciated.

 

There were two different 4-cylinder engines available for your car (and as I understand it, they use different exhaust systems); so, which 4-cylinder engine? If you don't know the answer to that question, then which trim level is your car?

 

I think the difference is in the exhaust manifold, and the question is whether it's the ULEV engine.

F23A1 = VTEC, non-ULEV (LX & EX 49-state versions)
F23A4 = ULEV-VTEC (ULEV cars, mostly California)
F23A5 = non-VTEC (DX model)

It might be that they're all the same from the cat back. However, if the flange of the cat is broken, & you have to replace the cat, that might matter. But I'd question whether the cat really needs to be replaced. More likely the cat is OK and you need everything from there back.

 

Price is very high in my opinion. Considering you can get a high quality aftermarket exhaust for $300-600.

Check out rockauto.com for some pricing. Or bring it to a specialized exhaust shop they could probably fix it for a lot cheaper.

 

If the engine is ULEV, the cat is very expensive. ~$1450 just for parts from the dealer. $1800 to replace the exhaust system including the catalytic converter doesn't sound that high.