Michael Pardee wrote:

> I bet the loud exhaust note is loose hardware that is backing off. The most
> likely location is at the collector flange, where the exhaust manifold
> connects to the pipe. Since the exhaust work was just done, the mechanic
> who did it should get first whack at making it right.

Update: The exhaust note resulted from a pair of holes in what the mechanic
referred to as a "front exhaust pipe". Not sure if this is the pipe you are
referring to, but it's the one that extends from the cat toward the front of
the car (this was not replaced when I had the muffler and cat replaced).
This set me back another $220.

Concerning the gas fumes, perhaps that was not fuel I saw on the ground
yesterday because nothing is leaking from underneath now. But the fumes
still remain.

My father suggested to wait until next spring to get a newer car. Well, if
another non-routine problem comes up between now and winter's end, I think
that will be it. :-(