Hello all.  I have a question regarding the exhaust system on my '94 Accord
LX.  It was sounding loud, so I had my mechanic take a look.  The muffler is
bad from the catalytic converter back.  They quoted me something like $500
to replace those pieces.  I don't have an exact quote, since it was over the
phone, bundled with a CV boot (axle half shaft replacement) fix.  Anyway,
they said it was more expensive because it's a California model.  Could this
be true?  I live in Seattle, and my sister bought it new in Alexandria,
Virginia!  Does anyone know if Honda makes a different exhaust system for
the California market?

A friend at work looked online and in less than 30 seconds, saw that you can
buy the parts for less than $200, and that it's a piece of cake to change
out.  Any thoughts on that?

Oh, and I heard that Honda doesn't use stainless steel, so this is why I
have this problem with only 96,000 miles.  Would the true Honda parts still
be better to buy?

Thanks!