please help!! exhaust resonator

I took my car in to get inspected today and my one strut was blown so I had to dish out 300 bucks! I also needed a new windshield for 100 dollars.
Now I am broke!
and my mechanic said that I have a big hole in my exhaust resonator!! In order for it to pass inspection he needs to replace it for 280 more dollars. Is it possible to use a straight pipe and bypass this??? is it cheaper online?? I need the cheapest and fastest solution I am broke and need my car please help guys! :(

99.5 jetta 150,000 miles 2.0