I live in the Alps and drive over very rough, unmade mountain roads. I hit a large stone (I was looking at the spectacular view) and head that horrible grating sound.

The exhaust started to make a loud burbling sound at low speed. I am a woma of 70, living in a studio with no access/skill for DIY repairs so I took it to a local garage (it is a main distributeur for Citroen, not Fiat). They said it could not be repaired and quoted me about £300 to supply a system a new exhaust. They showed me were the break was - at the front, between the perforated bit and the long pipe!

I then tried a small garage who specialise in exhausts, and they said they could supply a new piece as far as the silencer (which seems in good condition) for £150.

The car had done 40,000 miles since 2005. I do a lot of driving on rough roads and on ice/snow and salted roads in Winter - I live in a ski resort.

I would welcome any advice from members - would it be safe to settlefor the pipe without replacing the silencer.

#DIY

DI