2001 Eclipse 4 cylinder

Hello. I am looking at a 2001 Eclipse 4 cylinder (girlie car!) to purchase. I thought that I read that after 2000 the exhaust has 2 pre cats into 1 cat. This sounds expensive to repair. The only thing my son told me was the exhaust was sort of loud...maybe a muffler. Also that when he was stopped at a red light it sputtered a bit as if it was going to stall. I have been doing some reading. Could the sputtering be related to the exhaust issue? If so, how much would a new exhaust system cost? (best case/worst case scenario) This will have bearing on how much I am willing to pay for this car. It does have a "Sportonic" transmission. Any information would be very helpful! (I hate the thought of having to replace my '93 Lumina 3.1, stinkin' contro; arms anyway!)