For about a week now I have been hearing a loud noise which seems to be coming from the muffler (I think it's the muffler) whenever I press the gas. In addition to that for the past 2 days I have been hearing a rattling noise which also seems to be coming from the muffler. My car also seems as if it lost its power but then again that might because I am hesitant on pressing the gas because of the noise.

Is it the muffler and if so should I take it to the dealer or to a mechanic like meineke?

***edit***

Oh I forgot, I own a 2k1 SE (40k miles)...

 

Well my buddy came past and said it was a donut gasket. I know a few people said that they were hearing a rattling noise on the passenger side of their car. The donut gasket might be the cause...

 

It wasn't the donut gasket. Had to replace the entire rear muffler. It ended up costing me $250. The majority of that was for the muffler $185, which turns out to have cost me way too much.