Ford Escape Exhaust Manifold Leak -- DIY or pay?

Well, shameless bump here. Took the car in to be fixed today, and the mechanic told me the manifold is cracked. It has to be replaced.

Ordinarily, not a big deal, but this has a built-in catalyst, and looks like it’ll cost upwards of $700.

Basically, I’ve had it. I want to fix this thing and get rid of it. I don’t think it’s ethical of me to sell it with this major a defect; it has to be fixed.

Can I legally put a used cat in a California (if that makes any difference) car? Part of me thinks, Who’d ever know? I can get one for $300 or less. That helps; every little bit helps.

Any advice out there?

Is this possibly related to the mileage problem about which I posted yesterday?


Following up: I found one at a local auto dismantler for $150; I’m goin’ with it.