First off...those PLASTIC TIES, I'm surprised they have given you ANY MILEAGE...the heat will either ignite them or melt them enough to allow the muffler to drop and drag. I'd give it 10 miles at speed, at best.
What you could do is use the old method of a wire coat-hanger...but then, you'll be replacing that in no time and it, again, would be no more than a stop-gap measure, at best.
Unless that's all your current repair budget can handle.
Either way, both scenarios has "SUCK" written all over them.
Me? A reputable muffler shop that won't nickle/dime you for extras. Get it up on the hoist and fix what needs fixing (could be the inlet pipe needs to be staightened out...that type of thing).
If you can't fix it right then, pay the man for his time and if you, later, are able to come back, use the diagnosis fee as the discount. Some shops will do just that.
Good luck!
