One of the downsides of any imported vehicle is the availability of spares. When the exhaust splits in two you can't just nip in to the nearest Kwik Fit (not that I would go there anyway).
Two weeks ago the slight blow that "needs fixing sometime" became a major issue. Fortunately I was able to borrow dad's car for a weekend away before taking Dai in to a local exhaust centre. I chose that particular one as they do fabrication. After examining it they confirmed that the cat had fractured at the back and they'd see what they could source.
I felt it worth doing some searching myself as well and found a company in Japan who could supply parts. A new cat would be about £600 + taxes, not too bad really, a full system though would cost more than that in air freight alone due to the length. However they did also confirm that the local model name is an Atrai 7.
Armed with that additional information I tracked down a cat off the shelf in the UK for under £300. A quick internet order and then, after a day's delay (the technician wasn't available yesterday) I took 'van and cat back in this morning. The good news was that the rest of the exhaust is still well serviceable, with just surface rust. The bad news was that the new cat didn't fit properly, the front flange was incorrect and it's too short for the rest of the system. It may well be that the whole system had been replaced at some point.
I can't fault the can-do attitude of In Town Automotive though. It cost another hour and a half of labour charges but they cut off the front flange and welded the old one on then sleeved the back joint. They'll get the job if and when I do need the rest fabricating.
The Tyred part? They routinely check the tyres (trying for sales of course) but after 18 months or so they're only 15% worn so no chance there.
