$1200 for a catalytic converter??

Hello,
I have a 2003 VW Golf and I have a hole in my flex pipe. the mechanic says I'm going to need a new catalytic converter but he said the only way to get it is through the dealer, which will run me about $1,200. he said he'd weld a sleeve onto it for $500. I have a feeling I'm being over charged. $1,200 seems a little pricy to me.. or is that normal for a catalytic converter? and does $500 sound like a lot to weld a pipe?? thanks.

Hello, I work as a millwright in industry and happen to know the fully certified welders charge around $90/hr for private work. RUN Go to a exhaust shop for a second opinion, Ask them what their rates are. Each piece of pipe starting from the manifold is available . I would expect they will quote you a lot less to perform a fully warrantied repair. Another alternative would be another dealership. This should be a 45minute to 2 hr job. The pipe repair at a muffler shop will be fast, and they do not charge $600/hr If they cannot repair the part expect to be shown why. Converters are very expensive.I usually pay about $100 for a job like this. Allan