You should probably change the oil, fuel filter and clean the maf before you go and try to take apart the exhaust. If this is your daily you should stick to the simple repairs first. That ypipe is a pain to take off and I don't think the cats would cause this kind of issue.
I picked up my colt around this time last year for 1100. My only complaint would be how easy the finish is to mark up. It's never failed regardless of what I run through it.
I bought my wife a 2010 Compass. Interior is cheap as expected, CVT is really annoying at any speed, no power, mid 20s for fuel econ, it has 7k miles on it and is already starting to rust. It's a decent mom-mobile but sucks at everything but snow.
I usually send people to them but the last 2 they did had issues with multiple windows peeling within a month. He took care of the problems under warranty but one of the cars is aready peeling again. It was probably a bad batch of film or something.
Sometimes it takes a complete dick move to wake someone up. Maybe Chris will realize that his priorities are fucked and needs to reevaluate some shits, maybe not. I am interested in hearing more about your upbringing though. Please pm me some details.
I like the addition to your statements. Tasteful edit!
Then tell your wife to quit bitching to mine. I get tired of hearing about it. Actually, keep doing what you do, it makes Kendra realize how good she has it.