Volvo V50 exhaust leak woes

[Mtlmojo]

Hi all!

I recently picked up a manual 2010 V50 T5 AWD from Ontario and am in the process of having it registered in Quebec. I had the car inspected and one of the issues that came up was an exhaust leak. The inspector told me that the flex pipe was starting to fray would need to be replaced.

He classed this as a minor repair, but I've since brought the car to 3 separate mechanics (including 2 muffler specialists) who have all told me they're unable to repair/replace the flex itself since it's so difficult to access. They all quoted me about $2-3k CAD to replace the whole assembly, which I'd be willing to do as a last resort, but I just wanted to check if anyone here had experience with this and could offer any advice before I take the plunge.

Btw this is my first Volvo so I have little experience with these cars aside from the research I've done online.

Thanks!