02 maxima muffler replacement

Hi,

Over the weekend my muffler started making rattling noise. After
further investigation the muffler became separated with the exhaust
pipe at the connecting joint. It got rusted and came loose. Looks like
all other hooks and everything else is in place.

I took it to Mieneke and a look repair shop, and both of them said the
muffler needs to be replaced and quoted ~$300 (about $230 for the part
$80 for labor). The muffler itself has no visible damage.

Has anyone had similar problems? If so is there any other way, may be
just re-welding the joint will work. I dont know, if that a good fix?
Or will I be just better off replacing the muffler altogether.

thank you all in advance
-B