Volvo Repair: 1991 volvo 240 muffler system, muffler system, genuine volvo

Question
QUESTION: hi,

the long middle muffler pipe broke off from the end tail pipe, which still appears proper.  i think the pipe had rusted and finally broke.  so currently, the middle pipe is dangling underneath my car.  my question is: do i need to replace the entire muffler system?  i really just need my car to pass inspection this month and make it for another few months on the road.  i took it to munro muffler and they wanted to replace the whole thing and charge me $450 for it.  help!  thank you!!

ANSWER: Lisa, You can just change the middle pipe.  They were just being lazy and wanted to sell you a new system.  Roger

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you for your response.  one follow up question, if you don't mind: so it turns out--I saw for myself--there is also a hole about the size of a quarter in the bottom of the muffler--looks like it rusted through.  does this mean it will fail an emissions test?  if it would fail, is it possible to patch the muffler or do i really need to replace the whole thing?  thank you very much for your assistance!

Answer
Lisa, most likely it will fail.  In that case, it might be better to replace the whole thing.  $450 is way too much though, I could see if they were using genuine Volvo parts, but there are using low quality junk so that is an outrageous price.  Roger