What do I do?

[Ed Doe]

5 years ago, when I had my XS and it was still worth £2k, the repairs wouldn've been justifyable. Unfortunately now, with prices being so very low, it doesn't really make economical sense

You say there was a GTi6 nearby for sale? I think everybody should own a GTi6 at some point just so they can make their own mind up, but they are not the be-all and end-all of hot hatches anymore.

If you have any money behind you, want something as fun and fast as a GTi6 then I would recommend you start looking at the Renaulsport Clio's as a replacement.

What you mean the Clio "nearly-182"?
Meh. Spending the same amount on a '6 you would dust it off in EVERY area. They're not actually as quick as a '6 in the 1st place, and parts are more expensive... and imo they don't look as good. But that's just my opinion...

I'm not saying you should blindly buy a '6 by any stretch; maybe save for a bit and get a little distance before making the decision on the next car? (if that's something you can do?)

I was in the same boat as you 2weeks ago mate, for a very different reason... But because I just live for the 306, I'm gonna have to buy another '6

I think it's very strange they've picked up on the subframe mounting points being rusty; I would strongly suggest you get the exhaust and cat sorted,and get it MOT'd somewhere else...
If it fails there, we can address it, but as you say, I really don't think it will. We can always buy some Waxoyl/Red Oxide primer and a wire brush and just give it a lick of paint over the weekend if you want mate...? I think that'd be the best way forward if you're still worried it'll fail at another garage...