Dear Scotty Kilmer

I have a used Toyota Corolla 2011 model, Japanese variant known as Axio, 50,000 km mileage, (ex-Japan) and I am the first owner in my country (Kenya).

After I took it for last service it started misbehaving. I was advised by couple of mechanics that my Catalytic Converter (CC) was stolen. I went to Exhaust Specialists and they confirmed that it was indeed missing. They offered to do repair of the two tin shaped part of the exhaust that housed the CC. They said it won't address the pollution issues, but the noise/sound, the vibration would disappear and the fuel economy would come back.

After doing what they suggested the vibration and loud exhaust sound stopped. However the fuel economy did not improve; in fact it worsened and the Check Engine light came on after few days of repair.

I called the local Toyota dealers and they asked me to send the car for diagnosis and they would probably have to get a new one and would cost huge amount of money.

I am in despair. Should I address this issue or let the car run with engine light and high fuel consumption, or I go with the Toyota company's advice or I sell the car? 

Car prices have shot up and I cannot afford another one. I have owned Corollas all my life and they have served me extremely well (the last one was a work horse, served me for over 11 years without any mechanical issues or other glitches!)

If you have any other advice it shall be much appreciated.

Thanks.