From: GARN@SLACVM.SLAC.STANFORD.EDU (GARY NIEMI)
Newsgroups: rec.autos
Subject: Re: Midas and Custom Built vs Factory Made Q's
Date: 29 Jul 92 21:26:01 GMT
Distribution: na
Organization: Stanford Linear Accelerator Center

In article <Bs5vJ0.7LM@news.cso.uiuc.edu>, weller@osiris.cso.uiuc.edu (Bonnie
Weller) says:
>
>Hi,
>
>I took my car into Midas a few weeks ago and had them do an estimate.
>They told me I had a hole in the pipe next to the muffler and that
>the long pipe from the catalitic converter to the smaller pipe would
>also need replacing as it could 'go any time'.  Since this longer
>pipe was $100 plus additional labor ($25) I told Midas I would have to
>think about it.  I took it home and discussed it with my husband and
>we decided since money was tight we would have them just replace the
>smaller $25 pipe and the muffler, which was under warrenty.  So I
>took it back and told Midas this.  They took a look at the muffler
>again and told me they would not do the work that day because
>there was a good chance the lip on the longer pipe which connects the
>shorter pipe could very easily be rusted off and when they went to
>put the shorter pipe on they would not get a good seal.  Since they
>did not have a longer pipe in stock they recommended I come back next
>week for the full work.  Needless to say I am wondering just what is
>going on here.  I feel that they are trying to get me to buy more than
>I want.
>
>I called another muffler shop and asked them about the possiblity of a
>lip rusting out.  They did not say outright that this was unlikely
>but I got the impression that the mechanic was surprised at Midas's
>explanation.
>
>So my questions are:
>
>1.  Is this lip rusting out on the longer pipe a legit explanation?
>BTW, I drive an 87 Camry. I keep it in excellent conditon and wash it
>often in the winter.
>
>2.  I have heard Midas has a reputation of trying to sell you stuff
>that isn't really necessary to replace, especially if you look like a
>gullible female.  Has anyone had experiences to confirm this?
>
>3.  I decided that even if I do need to relace these two pipes, I
>will go elsewhere (Midas can still replace the muffler though).  In
>in this case I have two options, I can buy a factory built pipe that
>goes from the converter to the muffler for $135 (including parts and
>labor) or have the muffler shop custom build one for $85.  Is there a
>difference in quality between these two types of mufflers?  Which
>option would you recommend me buying?
>
>Thanks for the advice in advance.
>
>Bonnie

In response to point (2):
Over two years ago, my father went to Midas to get the muffler replaced
on his '85 Chevy.  They had advertised some low price on mufflers to get
people in the door.  After looking at the exhaust system, they said he
needed to replace the pipe from the catalytic converter to the muffler
and the tailpipe also, along with various hangers and bolts, etc.  The
total was over $150.  He simply refused the extra work, so they just did
the muffler job.  Two years later, the pipes they wanted to replace are
still perfectly good, probably in better condition than the new muffler.
From this experience, I would say to avoid Midas if at all possible.
-Gary
Newsgroups: rec.autos