hi All, new to this forum!
My 2012 Outback needs some new exhaust components, the back box and the middle section, I'm told.  I'm non-technical!

My garage who are very good and honest say that it has to be main-dealer parts for this job and the parts alone are over £700 inc VAT.

I was shocked at the cost!!!  Is this normal and do I have an alternative solution?!

Thanks

 

what engine model ?

there might be other choices and lower cost but exact model details are needed ...
One obvious option is custom exhaust from a local powerflow or similar exhaust fabricating centre which be cheaper than just your parts price and it be durable stainless system .

OUTBACK SE SYM-AL AWD CVT petrol engine 2.5l

As above I would look to get one made which will probably be a lower cost option

I've had two cat back stainless system custom made and fitted while i waited at https://www.mijexhaust.com/ Walsall.

One on the previous Outback (2002 H6 so single pipe, OE system some £1500 if i recall correctly) and on the present Forester, both very good systems, both £295 inc vat, lifetime guarantee, don't know how they do it for the price.

Whether they would quote a similar price for yours i don't know, obviously if it splits into two tail pipes it will be more.

MIJ is probably too far from you, roughly 75 miles from where i live, but there might be an alternative maker nearer you, i'm fairly sure i heard on another forum, possibly the Landcruiser forum, about a similar good value exhaust maker possibly in Cardiff or Newport but don't hold me to that.

thanks very much guys

Loads of exhaust fabricators around wales, 2 that spring to mind are pro-speed exhausts and cardiff exhausts who a longlife bespoke exhaust builders .
Your system is twin rear boxes and Y pipe which more work and if box gone in centre pipe which doubt it has but if has will add cost .
I would estimate 400 to £550 all in sensible price pending how much centre pipe needs replacing (normally it just flanges on Y to back boxes that gone and if that case then centre silencer and suitable length of that pipe can remain keeping price very sensible .
You can choose sound level and tailpipe finish and fitment can be perfect .
We use a local powerflow exhaust shop for most turbo, 2.5 and 3.0 as price to quality it unbeatable, really not that hard build an exhaust and generally done pretty quick ...

thanks again, most helpful