audiavant04

I have an 04 Quattro Wagon with automatic. Took car to a muffler shop and discovered that the exhaust leak I am hearing is coming from the small section of Y pipe that right ahead off center muffler. Shop quoted me over $700 to do a repair using aftermarket center muffler spliced into system, keeping the two rear mufflers in place.

Has anyone had a muffler shop just cut out the whole center muffler ahead of the Y and fabricate something that splits and joins the two rear mufflers?

I plan to keep this car for just another year at most - I did find this item online

2002-2005 Audi A4 Quattro Muffler - Exhaust - Ansa, Center 02-05 A4 Quattro Muffler - 7481-01118508 - PartsGeek

I guess this replacement setup would also need to be cut and welded into place?
Any suggestions?

THANKS