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How to Pay for a Performance Exhaust Upgrade

How to · Auto

How to Pay for a Performance Exhaust Upgrade

Upgrade your car's sound and airflow with a $700 muffler and tip setup without paying a dime in interest.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $700 before anything else
Across the 0% window $38.89/mo 18 months, no interest

How we got that: $700 spread evenly across the 18-month introductory window on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A great exhaust setup changes how your car feels every time you step on the gas. But aftermarket hardware adds up quickly once you factor in clamps, hangers, and shop labor. Summer is usually when performance retailers run sales to clear warehouse space, making it the best time of year to grab parts below retail.

When you find the right muffler and tip setup for around $700, treat buying the hardware and paying for it as two separate jobs. Lock in the parts discount first, then give yourself room to pay off the balance without finance charges.

The 18-month window is a strict deadline, not free money. If you carry a balance past the end of the intro period, regular variable interest kicks in on whatever is left over. Paying $38.89 every month ensures the account hits zero before that happens.

The steps

  1. 01

    Target summer sales

    Watch for midsummer retailer promotions and seasonal brand rebates. Many aftermarket distributors offer site-wide discounts or free shipping codes during these weeks that can knock $50 to $100 off your hardware total.

  2. 02

    Separate parts from labor

    Buy the muffler and tip yourself rather than paying a repair shop's hardware markup. Call local custom exhaust shops to get quotes for labor only before your shipment arrives.

  3. 03

    Use a zero-interest window

    Put the $700 purchase on the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card. It gives you 0% for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers from date of account opening, giving you ample runway to clear the balance.

  4. 04

    Automate the monthly split

    Divide the $700 total across the 18-month window, which comes out to $38.89 per month. Schedule an automatic monthly payment of $39 right away so the balance disappears on schedule.

  5. 05

    Check the fitment immediately

    Inspect the welds, clearance, and hangers as soon as the shop finishes installation. Catching any minor leaks or rattles right away lets you use the shop's labor warranty rather than paying for a second visit later.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Citi Simplicity® Credit Card carries the date a person verified it against Citi and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Citi Simplicity® Credit Card terms →

Common questions

Will an aftermarket muffler void my car warranty?

Under federal law, a dealer cannot void your warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket part. They have to prove the muffler directly caused the specific failure to deny a claim. Axle-back mufflers and bolt-on tips rarely cause engine or emissions issues.

How much should installation cost at an exhaust shop?

Most independent exhaust shops charge between $100 and $250 to cut and weld a universal muffler and tip. If you buy a vehicle-specific bolt-on kit, you can often install it yourself with basic hand tools.

What is the difference between an axle-back and cat-back exhaust?

An axle-back setup replaces only the components behind the rear axle, which includes the muffler and tip. A cat-back system replaces all piping from the catalytic converter back, which offers more sound and flow but costs significantly more.

Can I pay off the parts balance faster than 18 months?

Yes, there are no prepayment penalties of any kind. If you pay $70 a month instead, you will clear the $700 cost in 10 months and finish well ahead of the deadline.