To Cat or not to Cat. Who knows??

[Stewart Wise]

Hi guys and gals (?).
I've recently developed an exhaust leak on my 54 SRi CDTi 150 which I had a local Vx dealer investigate whilst in to have alternator, battery and EGR valve renewed (don't get me started). I was told that there was a small hole in the braided flexible pipe in the center section and that I was going to have to buy a new piece, including cat. Cost (not covered under Network Q) £550-£600. Slightly confused as I thought diesels didn't have cats but........
Upon taking the car into the vx dealer from which I bought it (to vent my spleen about said problems) they had a gander and.. said it didn't have a cat..WTF.
I do have a hole and it is in the wider braided section of the center pipe - they are willing to charge me at cost for the part, about £350 +labour.
Question is, does this sound right, can it be done any cheaper and do I have a cat or not?!?! I've seen them advertised on ebay for my model so how come I don't have one!?!?

[Big Sig]

You will have a cat there somewhere unless someone has removed it. Diesels don't really need cats as only there for soot and not emmissions.

[gtr1000]

I know mine's a petrol but I took the cat out of my GSi AND had a new flexy installed by MIJ at Walsall for the grand total of £120.

£50 of this was for the cat removal and a new flexy installed came to £70. So if you just need a new flexy joint and, for the cost of some derv, MIJ looks a cheaper bet IMO.

[Darryl]

You need it foer MOT if it was fitted from new. Aftermarket may be ok

[Drew]

I have a 54 plate SRI 150 CDTI estate and was quoted £99. from a main dealer for a new front pipe incl the flexi bit.

[ditchp]

imo, get rid and have a de-cat pipe fitted, not needed on a diesel for mot as it's a soot test they do