If you take a muffler from a 96-00 coupe or sedan and then bend the hangers backwards to face the opposite direction that should then fit a hatchback correct? Now you might have to trim the tail pipe down a little. What do you guys think?

 

A muffler system isn't $1000. Take it to a reputable muffler shop and be done with.

 

That doesn't really answer the question now does it. Maybe not every one has the extra funds laying around to pay a shop to do it.

 

If you have any understanding on how to weld an exhaust, or anything for that matter, you would MAKE it work if you won't (or can't) spend the money to have it done. Measure twice, cut once, rework your hangers.. What's the problem?

 

The op is looking for a cheap, quick fix. One that involve not spending money. Well, hate to break it to you, but you cant unless you spend money. $20-$50 and get a muffler shop to do it. Or spend $100 on welding machine, plus supplies, and protective gear.
there is also the "U" clamps you can buy. $3-$5 a piece. Get 2. Cut where you "think" it needed. Rent a pipe expender, oh wait that cost money also, expand the pipe a little. Slip over the other pipe, bolt it diwn with "U" clamps. Return the rented pipe expender, get your money back.
there, simple, cheapest route for you. Cost $20 or less, plus couple of hours of your weekend.

or
take ut to a muffler shop, after you cut it. Then have them weld it up to where you want. $20-$40 depending on where you go..

 

Don't be too harsh. I have a great little fluxcore welder myself and take care of about 99.999% of all my stuff too. If you HAVE the abilities to do it yourself you don't really need to spend much money, if any at all, to fix a small issue like replacing a muffler. I know there is ONE shop in my area that does exhaust work and they wanted to charge me 175 bucks to weld a muffler on my wife's Mazda when we got it. We were even supplying the muffler. Ummm.. I'll pass, thanks. I'd rather be cheap than lazy any day of the week lol!
I think the OP is just overthinking and second-guessing.

 

Honestly i dont think i was being too harsh. It may look like i was. But i think thats something the op need to take into consideration. We all want to get thing done cheaper or at the most minimal cost. But anytime we mess around with parts from one vehicle to another. It's going to cost something. I just think, without having much tool at your disposal, it's much easier to get a muffler shop to cut and weld on the part you want. But you also need to do your homework and call around first. I paid $30 to have a different muffler and pipe weld onto an existing pipe. Im sure the op can achieve the same if he shop around a bit. Bring the part with you to the shop. Ask for an estimate. If it's within your budget, have them do it. If not, move on to the next one.

 

Quit trying to be a cheap ***. If you can't afford to mod a car, ride the damn bus. People and their delusional priorities.

 

Well if OP can weld than there wouldn't be a need for asking this question, nor taking it to a shop...I mean the only way to get it the way you want is to cut and weld...or you can use those clamps found at the autozone/pepboys/oreally/advance