-don't go to a repair shop, check out a place that does custom exhaust fabrication for the best prices and knowhow

-there is no problem cutting out and replacing the flexpipe with an aftermarket one. Just measure the outside diameter of the pipe. I had an exhaust shop replace mine. You can buy a cheap one don't worry.

-people on ebay sell the complete downpipe and cat assembly for about $200

-the pipe is long with many bends and it is tough to remove and replace without a lot of headache. need to drop crossmember, sometimes unhook the fuel lines, etc. So I would only do it if you have to.