Midas vs Speedy

Hi,

Any preference for Midas on Speedy or vice versa for muffler work.

Thanks.

 

Franchise muffler shops are dangerous places - small claims courts are
stuffed with actions against these guys. Their warranties are
worthless and they have some guy with popeye forearms with a 18"
channel lock going around squeezing your various pipes till they crush
one and "Hey you need this pipe replaced also."

Try to find an independent who is not a crook - good luck

 

A number of years ago my car had a hole in the muffler/and or pipe, and the
Honda Service Manager suggested I go to Midas because they would be cheaper.
I did, and it turned out it was just a few dollars cheaper, and not at all
worth the extra effort.

 

Avoid both like the plague

 

One more thing - replaced my exhaust system myself on a 97 accord all
the way from the cat on back. Got the replacement pipes and mufflers
from Honda - has a real life time guarantee. Fairly easy - just have
an angle grinder to cut off the rusted bolts. Had to drill out the
stud bolts connecting the cat on both sides - just slapped some SS
bolts/nuts and good to go.

 

Neither one. Almost all these chain muffler shops (and maybe even some
locally owned ones) hire pretty much minimum wage people who don't give a
rat's ass about your car because they figure they'll never see you again.
That said, I'd shop around and find a locally owned one that's been in
business for a while. Ask your friends where they go.

 

It used to be that Midas was more willing than Speedy to make custom
exhaust installations for odd vehicles. They would either custom-bend or
modify parts from other cars to make them fit (which bailed me out of a few
jams with my '74 Mazda RX-4). I found this with a number of Speedy and
Midas franchises. Basically, Midas had the better customer service, and was
more willing to do exactly what you asked.

Having said that, neither place is a good place to go if you want something
that will last for seven years like an OEM exhaust. Any
Midas/Speedy/Meineke/etc repair will last about one winter before something
else rots and needs replacement. In the long run, you won't save much on
exhausts. If you're in the sun-belt, rust is not an issue.

As far as brakes go, either is an iffy proposition. They are likely to
suggest replacement of calipers that are perfectly OK, just because
"company policy" is to replace calipers. Their "lifetime" pads may be way
too hard for your car, leading to rotor warpage.

My recommendations for exhaust or brakes:
Honda dealer (#1 choice)
Trusted small independent garage.
Independent exhaust specialist.

With the delaer, you'll pay more, but exhaust repairs will last many years,
and they have the same "lifetime warranty", which actually ends up being a
better deal because the Honda exhaust is one-piece from the muffler pipe to
tailpipe.