So when the MOT tester told me my exhaust was leaking, I didn't quite expect it to be this bad

I've had a look, and the problem seems to be where the small pipe right at the front joins to the catalytic converter part of the exhaust, the mount on the cat side seems to have broken down and is no longer useable.

I've looked at the price genuine, about £700 so I defo cannot afford that, but I have found one on eBay new from another company for £130... Would it be trusted? Link

Also wondering whether a break in the exhaust system there would cause my fuel consumption to be lower? I'm guessing it's been like it a while as it's sounded like a tractor?!

Finally... what would you guys suggest to do? I know I need to replace the small pipe, this can be purchased for about £25-30 second hand or £40 new on the bay... That's the easy part i'm just not sure what do do about the cat end.. I'm not sure if it could be fixed or I need a new cat?

Really can't afford this right now, already got to purchase a new front caliper, air con pipe tomorrow and still fit the steering geometry parts so the tracking can be put right. Wondering if after this would be time to get rid? Oil on the bottom of the turbo makes me think that will need replacing shortly.

Anyway... here is a picture from PartsCat of the exhaust system, will upload a picture of the exhaust a bit later when I can take one!

Click image to enlarge

As you can see in the picture, the oval shaped piece on the cat side is cracked, it's also cracked where the stud goes through on the other side, also appears to be no nuts present!

Click image to enlarge

I've just been through a similar thing (albeit with a 4.4L Petrol). A previous owner had had aftermarket, smaller and restrictive Cats welded on to the exhaust. Probably bought these on Eb*y so I wouldn't trust what you're getting from that source. Also, I had O2 sensor fault codes showing and this was as a result of a crack where one of the too-small Cats had been welded on.

I found correct-spec replacement Cats impossible to source. YMMV as mine is a 2006 model which seem notoriously difficult to get parts for - being a 'transitional' model.

Anyway, I tried to source Cats online (Eb*y, parts suppliers, etc, etc.). Then I went to various bricks and mortar Cat suppliers (Kwik-Fit, National Tyres, etc.). Finally I went to a place that fabricate custom exhausts and found that they could custom make some Sports Cats for me. Unfortunately, that would mean that the vehicle would be noisier and sound rougher. No-one wants a noisy Range Rover, right?

So, in the end, I bit the bullet and got the job 'done right' at an authorised LR dealer.....it cost me £2000+.

As long as the Cats themselves are still functioning correctly (no rattle, etc.), my advice would be to get the current ones repaired (welded, patched, etc.) until you can afford get them replaced properly.

No doubt you know this but remember to remove any O2 Lambda sensors before any welding take place.