How long does an Exhaust last?

[NedKelly]

I only ask because I had an Advisory note on my MOT last week saying the exhaust back box outer skin was corroded.

I picked up a new back box from a local Motor Factor for £30ish and when I went to fit it yesterday I had to hacksaw through the exhaust between the back box and the Cat to enable me to fit the new one as it was in one piece.

Would this be a sign that the exhaust was the original?, I wouldn't have thought that the full exhaust and Cat had been replaced so what do you reckon?

It's over 13 years old now so fair do's if it is

[Mikeyjp]

hi, its a bit like asking how long is a piece of string really, theres alot of things that can effect the life of an exhaust, but theres no reason it shouldnt last 15 years+

[spacecadet]

THat's what it says in my Haynes book for the Laguna- the original is in one piece but replacements come in sections.

[coup]

Drive it hard to get the moisture out regularly n it should be ok.
Even if it isnt, as long as the cat part lasts you should be alright.

I had rear bits replaced twice on my last car.,probably too many short trips.(90k)
The cat part never failed tho..phew.

[VelSatisfied]

As has already been stated, short journeys will kill an exhaust, that is because the moisture which collects due to the gases being colder than they would otherwise be, are acidic, and it is only the outside of the exhaust which is painted - the inside is bare steel.

13 years is very good therefore, for a car which would've spent most of its life as a city car.

Paul