Stainless vs. Mild, My little dilemma... Options

[CilverSeliST205]

I am about buy an exhaust for my car (3", mandrel, dp-back, over axle,), and I still can't make up my mind wheter to get it in stainless or mild... this is what i know about the two

Stainless:
+ Way more corrosion resistant than mild steel
+ Usually weights less because pipes can be thiner
+ Nice shiny finish
+ Will outlast the car
- Significantly more expensive
- Can be brittle when heat-cycled (subject to cracking but IMO should affect the DP only)
- Higher pitch of exhaust sound (tends to be "drony")

Mild:
+ Less expensive
+ Deeper sound
+ More tolerant of extreme heat
- Will last approx. 2-4 years of all-season driving unless ceramic coated
- Ceramic coating will bring the price up to cost of stainless
- usually heavier and less corrosion resistant than stainless

I can get mild for about $500 or stainless for about $750
Please help me make up my mind

[jgreening]

My mild steel, not coated 2.5" exhaust put on after my swap had holes in after the first winter of salty roads.

+500 for stainless if you live North of the Mason Dixon line.