My friend has a 2000 Honda Civic with just about 100K miles. Just this past weekend the car would no accelrate past 65mph and it would decline in speed when going up a hill. The car is not "putting" and the only noise is due to a hole in the muffler.

What could be causing this? Possible hole in the exhaust manifold? Maybe the torque converter in the transmission?

Just needed some thoughts before going to an expensive mechanic.

 

Check the transmission fluid level. Check for obstructions in the air filter / intake (e.g. mouse nest).

 

is he running on all 4 cylinders?

but yeah check the other stuff also.

 

Is the CEL ON?

Loss of power can have many causes. You might want to begin by checking whether the fuel pressure is low or whether the catalytic converter or air filter is clogged.