Most manufacturers buy their exhaust systems as complete assemblies to make installation faster and more accurate on the assembly line and Toyota is no different. They are always welded and are usually made of expensive stainless steel. Your muffler should have lasted longer than 6 years. The one on my '88 Grand Caravan lasted 18 years. The replacements have been averaging 2 years since then.

The reason you have to buy the whole system from Toyota is because that's how they pay to replace it when the vehicle is under warranty. They don't expect you to buy that entire system from them when you're paying the bill. Go to any exhaust shop for a replacement. They will cut the old one off and clamp in a universal replacement that will work just fine.

Answered by caradiodoc (expert)
17,324 answers provided