Volvo Repair: 99 volvo xc wagon, independent volvo repair, volvo xc

Question
My check engine light came on and when they ran the scan they said there was an exhaust leak right at the manifold and they would need to replace it which would be about a 1600.00 job.  Would an independent repair person cost less?  The car is used minimally and has about 150K on it, so I don't want to put that amount of money into it.  Thanks

Answer
Mary, I think you are getting ripped off.  I have never seen an actual manifold leak.  The gaskets yes but not the actual manifold.  An independent Volvo Repair shop will be cheaper and the techs/owner are usually all ex-dealership Volvo Master techs.  Driving the car the way it is wont hurt anything since its minimally used.  The only annoyance would be the check engine light.  Roger