already posted this in the area specific sub-section.

Hi, I've used the search function prior to posting this to try and find anything related to my cause, to which i could not.

I have a 2002 3rd Gen Subaru Liberty RX 2.5l Auto blue in colour. When i bought the car she had 79,xxx km's on her, and was completely stock. i have been thinking of the possibility of upgrading the muffler, as my current muffler which is stock off the production line, has a rusting patch on it.

She still has the default tape deck/cd player installed, and i intend to keep it that way. visual upgrades i've done however include: 5000k Xenon gas globes, 35% tinted windows and 16" WRX double-star pattern rims that were on when i bought it. I want to weigh up the benefits and cost of an aftermarket exhaust package. I don't want to spend money on a stainless steel straight through setup because she is not a manual and i have no plans on pumping that kind of money into her, and plus she's a family car now. I figure, if i'm in need of a new muffler, why not kill 2 birds with one stone and get some power too with the replacement. i was quoted $240 fitted for a stainless steel twin sport tip muffer from Profix.

I should also mention that i am NOT a fan of cannon's, and so my choices reside with the aforementioned style (former). what i would like to know is:

1. better choice of muffler
2. power vs cost of muffler
3. brands to look out for
4. exhaust shop locations
5. legal decibel sound
6. some links to people's videos of their exhaust setups (i've already checked youtube.com myself too)
7. examples of power increase
8. what muffler types offer what sounds

I don't want this car to turn into a cop magnet if the exhaust is too loud and so i'm after something that complies with the law. if i won't gain any reasonable power increase without spending further dollars, please let me know so i can make the right informed decision.

thanks for your time and i hope you enjoyed reading my essay length, well structured, informative (to the reader) thread.