I am new to the board but have already found great advice in old posts as I do maintenance on our 3 volvos (81 244, 85 245 and 91 740).

The '85 has 243k and runs great, mostly, getting 27+mpg with no smoke or other oil loss. Recently its given symptoms of a clogged or blocked exhaust system, and it does need one as rear muffler is hanging there with a broken weld.

I have 3 questions:

1) on my morning commute of 65 miles the temp is o.k., though could probably be better, but in the evening when ambient temp is 25 or so degrees higher the temp is clearly too high, though not in the red (I leave the heat on). Does this sound consistent with my diagnosis given that everything else is in good shape?

2)Does 243k sound excessive for a cat. on this car?

3) Who has the best prices? I found an online store in Conn. but lost the link...looked like I could get the converter and exhaust kit for about $210.

Any advice would be great.

Thanks