Focus Mk3 1.0 exhaust flexi

[decto]

Drove the wife's car yesterday for the first time in months and cabin is filling with exhaust fumes even in free running with no other cars in sight.
I expect the front flexi is leaking which is common, but it's part of the close coupled cat.
I can't see anything else, no oil leaks or anything else obvious under the bonnet and still present at normal road speeds.

There are repair kits available to cut out the flexi and replace. Some just the flexi, others have the down stream coupling as well so just one extra joint.

Anyone had something similar done at one of the franchises, Kwik Fit, National Tyres, Selecatyre etc. or are they just going to up sell me on a replacement cat.
I'll be taking the car in the morning but would be good to know if some are better than others, or if I should just use the local garage.

Thanks

 

[JonRGV250]

We fit them all the time, and there’s zero reason for any garage to tell you the cat needs changing or it’s not possible to sleeve in a new flexi.
It’s half hour labour max.

 

[decto]

We fit them all the time, and there’s zero reason for any garage to tell you the cat needs changing or it’s not possible to sleeve in a new flexi.
It’s half hour labour max.

Thanks, good to hear it's considered standard.

 

[Dg834man]

Same configuration as the fiesta, on the second one first didn't even last three years.