exhaust problems

[alexei@wri.com]

Hello, ladies and gentlemen,

an advice requested here.

I am driving an 87 Audi 4000 S (not quattro though) and I have a 

crack in one of the exhaust pipes closer to the converter.
The repair guys I tried to deal with do not know better than
to change all of the exhaust train from the converter and back
(muffler, resonator, both pipes, gasket, clamps and chromium tip),
which will cost me a sum within $366 to $390.

Does anyone knows a better way of dealing with my problem.
(Partial replacement or chaper parts.)
Help will be appreciated,
regards,
Alexei--