[Jackdaniel]

My car has suddenly become very loud both at idle and when accelerating, it sounds kind of like a boy racer car, I looked like a dick head driving through town

The sound is coming from the front. It is especially loud when driving up hill. Is this likely to be a hole in the exhaust or something worse?

Not sure what else to say to describe it but if you need any more information let me know

Thanks very much in advance

 

[NigelStap]

Its either a hole in your exhaust or could be a loose spark plug. Check the plugs before you start it again to be sure.

 

[Jackdaniel]

Thanks, will do!

 

[MVPeters]

A fairly common failure point is at the 'pre-cat' - it's between the flex joint & the cat.
It's tricky, but it can be welded from under the car for an awful lot less than a new manifold, flex, pre-cat & cat.

 

[Jackdaniel]

Thanks for the post, MVPeters. Showing my ignorance here, is that part of the exhaust system?

Just checked and the spark plugs, to the best of my knowledge (I am not good with cars!!) are all secure.

Would you advise against driving the car until I can get it fixed?

 

[MVPeters]

Yes, it's the first part of the exhaust system. The replacement is the four items I described which come as one unit & $1,000 or so. The welding to repair mine was only $120.
I wouldn't drive it too much as it will only get worse.
I'd find a local exhaust repair specialist first & get it diagnosed, as it could be something else.

 

[Jackdaniel]

Thanks very much

 

[Jackdaniel]

Update

It turned out to be a split in the catalytic converter! Fixed under warranty.

I don’t know if that is a common issue or how it could have happened, does anyone know?

 

[MVPeters]

Unusual, in my opinion.
Glad you had a warranty - that's an expensive fix!

 

[mc900]

I had this happen to one of my old cars, it was the exhaust coming off at the front of the car, sounded like a tank going down the road lol