Whether youre looking for a cheap car or truck, use our tools to analyze car prices, read reviews, research pricing history, and search over 5,000,000 listings. New legislation and other efforts are also contributing to the number of thefts easing, experts say. Some of the lineups cats can sell for more than $3,000. Many American and some Asian car brands tend to have less valuable catalysts. Prices fluctuate frequently, so those numbers are subject to change. Exotic cars bring the highest cost because they generally contain the most precious metals, and are desirable even as second-hand parts. Have you had a car part stolen? The Three-way convertersare applicable when the engine is regulated within a slim hoop of air-fuel proportions near the stoichiometric point. GM AC/BL thick pipe catalytic converter has a price of around $310. This step protects your catalytic converter and you car, in general, from any theft or vandalism. This info can help you get ready. Parking lots even ones that were well-lit were getting hit. How much of these precious metals reside in a specific catalytic converter varies, but many current models have only 6 or fewer grams of all three combined (there are 28.35 grams in an ounce). On their website, youll find images for each model so you can get an idea of what youve got. The catalytic converter doubles as a muffling device, and in idle RPM, or as you gradually increase them, youll hear the engine noise or droning from an area that would otherwise not emit any noise. Use a mobile app to take a picture of your cat converter and get a quote. Find out which vehicles are most and least likely to be targeted by catalytic converter thieves. Do not assume that just because they cannot arrest someone on the spot that they are not tracking them in your area. This is where it gets interesting, the gasses from the engine blow over the catalyst, it creates a chemical reactionthat changes the gasses and converts them into harmless gasses for the environment. 2001-21 Toyota Prius. Scrap yards will buy them and have their metals recovered to sell again. It is because of the platinum, rhodium, and palladium present in the catalytic converter that they are often stolen. The group earned between $30,000 and $80,000 weekly . The major scrapyards and recycling facilities have a complete list of converters and their scrap prices on their websites, while smaller sites offer quotes based on the images of your converter. This can be a relatively inexpensive option as many alarms are universal and can be fitted to most vehicles. Wire cutters can also be used on cables. When you park in a public location, make sure it is busy and well-lit. None of these vehicles have a catalytic converter installed. Its selling for $620.00 on eBay. Rub the serial number in oil (whichever mechanical oil youve got) to clean it and create a contrast between the housing and the etching. You dont want a super sensitive alarm if youre sharing the parking lot with other residents, but if youre parking in front of your house, then its only going to activate in case of a theft attempt. Here are some of the cars least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen. 10 Cars With The Most Expensive Catalytic Converters 1. The prices listed in the table below are their latest offer but are subject to change depending on the supply and cost of raw materials. In the 1950s a French mechanical engineer by the name of Eugene Houdry made a significant breakthrough in the field. To save some money, a muffler shop can sometimes install a custom aftermarket cat shield. These values vary because of the vehicle brand, condition, and the number of precious metals inside the catalytic converter. The National Insurance Crime Bureau has reported a staggering 1,215% increase in the theft of catalytic converters since 2019, though, putting more well-known types of thieves to shame. These harmful gasses emitted are molecules that are composed of atoms. <12;46;13;27 "the targets arrested today were a menace to massachusetts and . In some cases, it will be enough to deter the thief from taking your converter in the first place, which is our main goal. The diesel vehicle uses a different type of catalytic converter than gasoline vehicles. Either way, you might spend $200 to $750 to have one of these devices installed. There are two reasons that larger SUVs and trucks tend to be targeted. How To Identify Carnival Glass (Patterns, Shapes & Markings), Hemingray 42 Insulator Value and Price Guide, Coca Cola Collectibles Price and Value Guide, Antique Wagon Wheels: History, Identification, and Valuation, When there is a failure in the upstream parts of the exhaust system, Rust or Corrosion and Fatigue of the exhaust system, Splintering of the exhaust after repeated recycling, Failure of the ignition system (wires, distributor caps, could,), Failure of fuel system parts (fuel regulators, injectors, and sensors), First,it does the oxidation of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. They took into consideration converters that were replaced because they were defective or had been recalled by the manufacturer, converters replaced because they were too old and failing, and converters stolen off of cars sitting on dealer lots. These hydrocarbon fuels burn excessively with oxygen from the atmosphere to emit energy in large quantities, because these fuels contain a lot of chemicals, they not only generate power but also, they give off pollution. of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. With an angle grinder, it can be quickly removed, requiring only a couple of minutes to accomplish. Mazda. This process is called a reduction. Scrap Catalytic Converter Hyundai 6. Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on: Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. You might not think about the possibility of your catalytic converter being stolen when you first buy a car, but you probably should. Top 5 Cars with the most expensive Catalytic Converters for scrap 1. Next to the VIN number, the serial number of a catalytic converter is a very useful piece of information for getting the right price quote. Scrap Catalytic Converter Hyundai 6. The operating principle of the catalytic converter is extremely simple, as there are no moving parts within the housing. Catalytic Convertersare one of the most important parts of a car, it is an exhaust emission control device as their name implies, it converts toxic or harmful gasses and pollutants in the exhaust gas from an inner combustion machine into less toxic pollutants by a reaction called catalytic redox reaction. Other SUVs that make the regional lists of targeted vehicles include the 2008-2020 Subaru Forester and 2007-2020 Subaru Outback in both the west and northeast and the 2003-2011 Honda Element in the west. There are different anti-theft devices you can install to prevent the cats from being stolen. These metals help convert dangerous carbon monoxide and nitrous gases from the exhaust into carbon dioxide via a chemical reaction. Thats where the direct quotes come in, which you can get through either a mobile app or by uploading a picture along with a filled form on the website. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs. His first inventions were installed on factory smokestacks, followed by industrial forklifts and eventually cars in the mid-50s. Ferrari F430. Each car is unique in its own way and the main body of the car is the only thing that is not allowed to be changed by the owner. How Cold Should a Car AC Blow? The reason thieves go for the catalytic converter is that they could sell it for $50 $250as scrap. 2007-20 Subaru Outback. The prices for a catalytic converter for these cars are about $3,200. With less time needed to get the job done and a good payday ahead, these are some of the most targeted vehicles. The cars that are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen are hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. In many cars, its easy to access the catalytic converter. It is only bested by one car in the West. 2007 GM Catalytic Converter 2. Specific Makes and Models of Motor Vehicles Catalytic converters found in vehicles manufactured by American manufacturers like Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler are of lower quality and consequently have a lower resale value. The key here is to ensure you dont become complacent with how much more the alarm goes off. They look similar to mufflers that are elongated on each end with heat shields surrounding them. He further went on to produce catalytic converters for warehouse forklifts that used very low-grade gasoline. Compared to 2021, the Tacoma was targeted more often in 2022, as was the Ford Expedition SUV. The owners car got really damaged but this part wasnt affected hence why he put it up for sale. However, if the vehicle seems to have a catalytic converter, it could just be the shell with all of the internals pulled out. Catalytic converters are an ingenious invention that significantly reduces the output of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. So if youre concerned about this potential threat, read on! Where is the Catalytic Converter Located? This improved the usable oxygen, enabling the catalyst to function as planned. Of course, its worth checking what cars have the most expensive catalytic converters. This catalytic converter may be used in a replacement process after being disassembled and soldered back together, and it should fit in most cars that use a similar model number. Plugging into a power source to charge the battery isnt going to use any gas or diesel power. Catalytic converters clean up the gas or diesel fuel emissions. These two-way catalytic converters focused on removing carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons from the exhaust fumes. All prices are highly volatile and fluctuate regularly. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. The price of Catalytic Converters is gradually zooming which is making them an appeal to thieves because of the expensive metals they contain Platinum, Palladium, or Rhodium. Rhodium has a price of $15,400 per ounce or $495 per gram. Moreover, the F430 needed two of . OEM Catalytic Converter Toyota Prius 2011 4. Theyre slightly more valuable than GM converters, and net at least $300 per unit. An East Hartford man has pleaded guilty to participating in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring. American brands such as Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Dodge, and Chrysler tend to have less valuable catalytic converters and are therefore less likely to get stolen. Some of the best catalytic converters in the current market are Evan Fischer 960301, Magnaflow 51356, Walker 15634, Magnaflow 27402, Walker 16468, Magnaflow 99006HM, etc. General, Car Insurance, Exhaust. This list covers cars in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Oxygen (O2) degreesin the exhaust stream were then mostly inadequate for the catalytic reaction to transpire efficiently. Although they may differ slightly in their approach, the goal remains to lessen the incentive and ease for criminals to sell catalytic converters. He founded the Oxy-Catalyst company and coined the catalytic converter and cat converter terms. Learn what makes a vehicle more or less susceptible to this type of theft. Catalytic Converters work through a process called catalytic redox reaction . Top Cars Targeted in the West Location matters! The catalytic converter has a specific shape, and if it has been replaced by a straight pipe it will be more than obvious. It is selling at $711.00 on eBay. If your catalytic converter has been stolen, you will know immediately it will be LOUD. Thats because the overall eco-friendliness of this vehicle wasnt a top concern. Various components can be chopped off on cars, to achieve speed and high performance. According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. The very first designed Catalytic Converter Prototypes were made inFrancein the 19th centurywhen they were just a few in population and only the rich owned oil cars. Its not the value of the converter that attracts the thieves (although $200 $300 is trivial) but rather the ease of access. They are willing to take the risk to hijack it from underneath peoples cars, stealing catalytic converters has become very prominent because its worth a lot of money and you dont need identification to be successfully sold. The gradual increase in the prices of these metals influences the value cost of catalytic converters and because catalytic converters are so important and can almost not be done without for a vehicle to be effective, it makes it very essential and raises the demand for them. Its exciting to buy a new car, but dealing with the registration paperwork can be time-consuming. Its so loud and obvious that youll surely be able to tell, and now the important step is to turn off the engine and inspect the vehicle from the outside. If you cannot do so yourself, you can ask your local mechanic or repair shop to do it for you. GM medium 4Dot catalytic converter has a price of around $216. Not only is it a hybrid, but its also a highly popular model in the US. Speaking purely in numbers, thats at least $700 in precious metals alone, but theres a catch. The first of which is to notify your local police department. These metals are expensive because there is high demand and limited supply globally, which is why gold is being explored as an alternative for the future. (Proper Car AC Vent Temperature), Best and Worst Years for Chevy Traverse (Stats & Data Included), Best Years for Nissan Altima & Years to Avoid. Key Takeaways Thus, they are positioned as near to the engine as possible, or close to one or smaller catalytic converters also known as pre-cats are placed immediately after the exhaust. If you are driving a car that was manufactured before 1974, you dont need to worry about catalytic converter theft. Trucks and SUVs are also very commonly targeted due to the large engines (valuable catalysts) and the high ground clearance, which provides easy access to the catalytic converter. There are many different components inside a modern converter, but there are also several different ways of measuring how long a converter lasts. You can also make it less attractive by painting or removing the VIN on the converter. You will find expensive catalytic converters in cars like Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Aventador, Ram 2500, Ford F-250, Ford Mustang, etc. You may not be able to guarantee immunity to catalytic converter theft, but there are many ways you can make it more difficult for catalytic converter thieves to get to yours. It undergoes two reactions, oxidation, and reduction reaction. Some people choose the steel shield that makes it harder to remove. They are better than simple stickers that can be easily overlooked, but they also do not actively prevent an experienced thief from quickly cutting out your vehicles catalytic converter. People may not pay attention to the thief using a car jack on your car, but when they hear the angle grinder they might take action or call the cops. Secondly, the Oxidation of Hydrocarbons into Carbon dioxide and water. Unfortunately, theres no agreed-upon standard for measuring the lifespan of a modern catalytic converter. Ford F-250 and Toyota Tacoma are two great examples of this. Through their online catalog, youll be able to estimate the value of your converter based on the content of the precious material. It would also require strict transaction records by recyclers, an area that is currently not strictly enforced on a nationwide level. Apart from the metals that it contains, the converter itself could fetch a good amount of money. He has been working as a car mechanic for over 10 years, and the majority of them specialized in advanced car diagnostics and troubleshooting. 2007-17 Jeep Patriot. It was manufactured by Fomco and its in excellent condition. Why Do Some States Have Vehicle Safety Inspections? The Toyota Prius is specific in a number of ways. Even if you want to sell the whole car as-is, you should still take out the converter as it only takes a couple of minutes and could get you another $200+ on its own. These cars contain larger catalytic converters with a higher level of metals included because of how poor the emissions were. It clatters too. After a few decades, the very first Catalytic Converter was made by Eugene Houdry. It sells on eBay at $624.00. Still, your vehicle can dictate how at risk it is for catalytic converter theft. Parking in well-lit areas with security cameras will not only deter thieves but can also help law enforcement identify offenders in case the light alone does not hinder theft. (Ideal Range). This estimated value represents the number of cars, trucks, and buses but it does not measure heavy construction equipment. A second reason is because of ease of access. Which vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters by Sam Car Care The second in the line of vehicles that have the most valuable catalytic converters are trucks. It became mandatory for vehicles to have a catalytic converter. Why Do Thieves Steal Catalytic Converters? This makes them a hot commodity for thieves looking to profit off of scrap dealers and junkyards. Vehicles manufacturers before 1975 do not all have catalytic converters. Cat Security catalytic converter shields secure to factory mounting points on your vehicle and can be installed in your driveway. The next most expensive catalytic converter is a bit closer to home. The United States Awarded him a patent of 2,742,437for his invention. Catalytic converter thieves can see returns of around $150 to $1500 for a catalytic converter, depending on the type of catalytic converter stolen. The scrap price of a Chevy Equinox catalytic converter can vary depending on the condition and type of the part. All Rights Reserved. Meaning that it stops 99% of these harmful gases that can damage our health. Here are the signs of a stolen catalytic converter: Driving with a missing catalytic converter is bad for your vehicle, so if you suspect yours was stolen, have your car checked out immediately. If youre looking to trade in a legitimately acquired converter, you can approach any scrap yard and ask for a fair quote. According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Brand new General Motors cat converters are expensive and will set you back around $1,000. If the value of your vehicle exceeds the cost it would require replacing a stolen catalytic converter, your comprehensive coverage will often take care of the expense. When these elements enter the catalytic converter, the heat and the first honeycomb mesh will break the chemical bonds, creating: N2, O2, CO, Co2, H2O, and CxHx. It's not the value of the converter that attracts the thieves (although $200 - $300 is trivial) but rather the ease of access. The thieves were so brazen that it didnt matter, Casavant said. Catalytic converter theft has been a serious threat to car owners for years, but it turns out there have been far more incidents than previously reported, new Carfax data shows as many as 153,000 in the U.S in 2022. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways you can get to the serial number. 5. The catalytic converter has two honeycomb meshes inside of it: one coated in platinum and rhodium, and the other coated in platinum and palladium. Therefore, they cannot contact and react with the exhaust. Today, palladium continues to cost $2,500 per ounce, and this is just one of the minerals found inside catalytic converters. From our listings, most of the scrap catalytic converters cost over $1,000, so you see why thieves go for it. Diesel Cars. Spoiled owners keep looking for such goodies for their vehicles or decide to strip parts off others for their own use. Some manufacturers place vehicles catalytic converters higher up on the exhaust system and out of easy reach from the bottom of the vehicle. Platinum has a price of $977 per ounce or $31 per gram. Selling as a pair on eBay for $1,200. Many of these laws would mandate fines and/or jail time for perpetrators. It neutralizes harmful pollutants and emissions from the engines exhaust. Emissions into the atmosphere were well-lit were getting hit gasoline vehicles the catalytic. Model in the 1950s a French mechanical engineer by the name of Houdry! 80,000 weekly extremely simple, as was the Ford Expedition SUV fuel emissions do so,... Looking for such goodies for their vehicles or decide to strip parts off others their. Them in your driveway $ 3,770.00 price tag 1975 do not all have catalytic converters focused on removing monoxide... 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