Suzuki: esteem catlytic converter, speedy muffler, straight poop

Question
I know you are a truck guy - but here goes. - I was losing power and Suzuki has diagnosed cracked and blocked catalytic converter (both bits). (My regular neighbourhood  garage closed and I only took it to the dealer because it was an odd sensation and I thought it might be the timing belt or something that they replace for a reasonable cost).  Any way, c.c. makes sense based on what was going on - they quoted me $1795 for Suzuki parts and $1295 for aftermarket - including labout (but tired to tell me the after market ones would only last a year so I better go with the Suzuki ones - not buying that and my car is 11 years old anyway).  I just find this a bit out of line basedon what parts go for on the internet.  I'd have just gone to Speedy muffler or a found a small garage.  i figure they are over pricing by 500 bucks or so.  I have only ever used them to replace timing belts in the past as I think they 'gouge' on other repairs and some of their service cetnres do not seem to have great diagnosticians - (they have sent me away a couple of times with a loose ignition wire - replaced my battery instead.)  - had a great mechanic - but he's packed it in
- anyway - that's too much - just wondering if you had comment

thanks
- K.  

Answer
Yeah.  Here's the straight poop.  You can probably find a shop.  Try IATN.NET   They have a shop finder on the initial page.  The absolutely most important part is making sure that whatever damaged the cat gets fixed.
You may well be able to find an aftermarket cat for much less.  An example .... When I was modifying my Samurai, headers, and all, I bought a brand X cat online for less than a hundred.  It's for anything up to a 350 inch motor.  It's only having to clean up an 80 inch motor.  It is so efficient that I mostly can't get any readings of pollutants.  The guys who belong to iatn are a very good bunch, and I strongly suggest you talk to whoever the site lists as close to you.  Sounds like the dealer is just trying to make the usual profit margin.  I think an independent with a pipe bender, and exhaust repair experience may well be able to do the job for less than half the dealer charge for the part alone. Get back to me if you have any further questions.  
scotty