(First time poster-glad you're here) Driving home from out of state it seemed the muffler "blew". Later that day, engine light went on. Long story short, my mechanic said that the entire exhaust system and 02 sensors needed replacing. Did it all ($1500). When I got the car back, car was much better, but not as quiet as I would have expected when accelerating. Bring the car back and am told that there's a hole in the hose leading from the engine-I think the exhaust manifold. A separate issue, I'm told. Said I didn't have to get this fixed now, but if it gets louder even when idling, consider fixing. I think mechanic feels a little resposible for not picking this up originally because he said I'd have to pay only for the parts (about $550); he'd eat the service cost. Now my question-should I be concerned that this was not picked up when I first brought it in. It's a 96 with about 95k miles, in great shape otherwise, but I'm not sure I would have gone for a $2k+ repair had I known the extent from the start. Thanks, in advance, for your help.

 

If you don't fix it soon the Check engine light might come on.

Try to find a good used one and have him install it.