I decided to get a second opinion on my car, and since I was already heading to Batavia, I decided to visit Santy's, my dad's trusted mechanic for many years. He took a look at my car and told me that because my exhaust systems are all one solid piece, the price would naturally be high to replace them both. He proposed cutting out the catalytic converter and simply welding the new one in. This would lower the cost of replacing both by about $200. However, I simply could not afford to have both sides replaced, so he recommended replacing the one that was worse off. I agreed and since he didn't have the part yet, I stayed over my Dad's house for a night while they worked on it in the morning. They called me up and told me the work was finished but the car was still having trouble and probably would not pass inspection. I would have to replaced the second converter as well.

My inspection is up in December. I wasn't sure what I could do at this point. My family doesn't have the money to assist me at all. My credit card is nearly maxed. I've been on disability which has paid a pittance of my paycheck. However, I was finishing my car loan this month with only $79 dollars left to pay on it. I decided to apply for a loan from my bank. Sounds good? Alas, due to my student loans and credit card debt, I was denied.

So what am I going to do? I don't know. The work needs to be done, roughly $600 worth left to be done. That car still has a few years left in it, so I don't want to sell it and try for something with more problems. The car runs much better now, but it will still have to pass inspection. I do have two things going for me though right now. I made bonus for October but I don't know which level I earned. I'm hoping it's the full bonus for October. That will help greatly. I'm also getting a second job as well to raise some money. Anyone have any other suggestions?