I need someone's help pretty badly! Let's put it this way - i know nothing about cars, and have to replace the "front pipe" in my '96 Maxima exhaust. they're trying to charge me $700 because it's the front pipe, with "oxygen sensors and that bracket" and that i can only order it directly from Nissan. I don't know what this all means, but i desperately need to find a cheaper option. if that means buying an aftermarket piece, then that's fine. but i need it to pass inspection and will be ditching the car in the spring as it has 130,000+ miles. any help would really be appreciated and would save my a$$. thanks so much.

 

Ok here's the deal, You need a Y-pipe (check out Budget, I think they run about $160), and possibly an O2 sensor. I dont think you would spend more then 300$ in parts, and the 400$ they are charging you is labor. I am also in boston ma and have tons of experience with exhaust installs...lemme know if you need someone to do the work and we can agree on a fair price...but for 700$ I would ask the mechanic if I atleast get a kiss with that f*cking.

 

To bad I just chucked my stock front pipe ( i.e. y-pipe or f-pipe) into the dumpster or I would have sold it to you for cheap. If your looking for a used front pipe try the f/s forums here since a lot of people have baught an aftermarker y-pipe, you might be able to find someone who kept their stock pipe if your gonna ditch your car after a couple thousand miles.

p.s. here is a link to budget http://www.budgetexhaust.com/

 

thanks a lot for the suggestion. it ****es me off that i thought nissan was the only place you could buy parts. i live near a performance car place called RPM in Allston, right on Comm. Ave., do you think i could get a good price in there, or is that place Budget the way to go? also - i need to get an inspection sticker as mine expired in december, and will i be screwed without an oxygen sensor? if not having the sensor sets off my check engine light, can i still pass the inspection? i don't really mind if the check engine is on, i need to get a newer maxima hopefully in the spring. just trying to spend the least amount of money to keep this beast on the road. thanks again.

 

I don't have the aftermarket y-pipe-- but i read that it will pass inspection as long as you have your car warmed up----- you should move to alabama, we dont have "inspections"

 

welcome to the org. first rule of thumb: Never ever trust the dealership. There are always cheaper options than what they tell you.