I reckon that my exhaust is starting to blow a bit, probably somewhere near the front/cat, not sure exactly where but there is a bit of noise and vibration from underneath towards the front of the centre console. I'm going to get it booked into a fast fit place just to get it checked out.

In my previous car I had the front down pipe/flexi pipe replaced at ATS and a 3rd-party part was put on. This had a different shape to the OEM part and the car was never right afterwards with a rasping sound and vibration, much like it was when it was blowing. I was never happy with it, but after getting it checked out elsewhere, it wasn't leaking so I'm convinced it was just the different shape/design.

Now with the Fabia, I wondered what people's experiences are with replacement exhausts? Is there merit in going to a Skoda/VW group dealer or indenpendent VW specialist to get a genuine equivalent replacement or would I still end up with the same 3rd party part I'd get at a fast fit?

Cheers for any opinons. (PS I'm not interested in some exotic performance part, I just want something hassle free and as quiet as possible.)

VAG Dealers and Specialists will have access to a new range of exhaust parts called Quantum which carry a 2 year warranty and are designed and approved by VAG for VAG cars.

I had the flexible section of exhaust go a year back - your car is the same as mine, and it is apparently a common problem, so I'll tell you this in case it is.

You cannot buy a replacement flexible section of exhaust - it must come with the cat - the genuine bit is upwards of 300 quid. It is possible to get replacement flexible sections which can be welded in, and on mine, I have had no vibrations/noise. I got the part bought and fitted for under £90. For more info, search posts by me with "flexi" in the title.

Rob

The exhaust has been diagnosed by ATS and I need everything from the cat backwards (not the cat itself) so that is the mid-pipe and the back box. I've been quoted £152 inc. VAT and fitting with a 3 year guarantee for a Timax part. I wondered if any one had experience of this brand? As described above, I am concerned that the new exhaust will sound louder or will still give vibrations after the replacement. Cheers.

TiMax is a well known name, nothing special they just make exhausts. I always used to buy Bosal where possible, just a personal preferance really.

You shouldn't notice any increase in noise.

If anything, you'll probably notice a reduction in noise as if your current system is blowing, you'll have become accustomed to the increased noise levels over the past few weeks.