max2b?

Hey guys,
Looking for some advice... My 96 has a Greddy Catback installed by the previous owner - I'm guessing the Exhaust was installed in mid 1999. I've owned the car for 3 years now and the exhaust looks to be in good shape overall. However, recently it did rust and break off at the weld joint at the tube from the muffler connects to the Joiner plate. I am not aware of any warranty on the exhaust as I cannot find any paperwork for this.

My options appear as follows:

-Purchase a new muffler up to the exhaust joint. (Expensive)

-Hack off the Joiner plate on the "upstream" side as well and permanently join the 2 halves using a straight pipe "bandage". (Cheaper)

Not sure what to do... What kind of lifetime are you guys seeing for these exhausts? Is it worth trying to salvage or should I just invest in a new system??
Thanks!
Brad