All,

I'm considering buying a 2006 Volvo XC90. Among other things, I noticed what appears to be a very rusty resonator of the exhaust system.

I took a few pictures of the resonator, along with another one of the exhaust towards the muffler, which I've posted further below.


I live in Southeastern PA - near Pottstown. So we get plenty of snow, rain, sleet, slush, and salt. The car will NOT be garage kept. It will be driven about 10k - 15k miles per year.


Questions:

1. Can any of you please tell me how long do you think it will last before it needs to be replaced?
2. Also, how could I get a good estimate of what the repair bill would be like?

Thanks for your opinion.

Best,
JPG.

 

Most of the time the outer shell comes apart and can just be cut off. But that third picture looks like you might have a hole developing.

Cost-wise, you'd be best to call your local dealer. Then call a local exhaust shop. The exhaust shop will likely be way cheaper.

 

I see that you are in Pennsylvania. I saw your pics and the entire underside of the vehicle is pretty rusted. Now, I'm comparing to what I see here in Alabama granted, but I'd look at everything else too.

A muffler rusted that bad is rare for me, here. I'd also be checking brake lines and the basic structure of the vehicle.

We have a long-standing joke here about northern vehicles. When you buy one, make sure to get a couple of sticks of dynamite to blow the wheel off if you need to change a tire. The wheels can rust to the hubs to the point that they have to be pounded off.