What Makes A Catalytic Converter Worth Its Price?

Catalytic converters are an essential part of every vehicle’s exhaust system. They convert harmful exhaust gases into less harmful emissions before they leave your vehicle’s tailpipe. Through the years they have progressed from non-existence to a great option to help protect the environment, to a mandatory part of every motor vehicle’s exhaust system.

They use noble metals which act as a catalyst to start chemical reactions that convert these harmful gases. For more detailed information on exactly how this all works check out our page on how catalytic converters work. 

Inside every cat is a substrate structure that is coated with precious metals or “noble metals.” They are called noble metals because they resist chemical action, do not corrode, and are not easily attacked by acids.

It is important to use metals that resist chemical reactions to prolong the life of the catalytic converter. The most common metals used are platinum, palladium, and rhodium which in recent years have skyrocketed in value. It is also why catalytic converter theft is on the rise across the country.

It is also why catalytic converters are not cheap. 

All of the different metals used in converters have their reasons why they are increasing in value - like rhodium for example. Rhodium is so rare that there are no pure Rhodium mines in existence, and is only found in the ores of other metals, most commonly platinum and nickel. Rhodium is also expensive because of its qualities, such as its high melting and boiling points. This is very important in the use of converters as the reactions that convert harmful gases take place at very high temperatures.

Beyond the actual cost of the metals themselves is the costs involved with the manufacturing of the catalytic converter itself. Then there is the cost of labor to install it into your vehicle.

Put all of this together, and you have a fairly expensive piece of equipment.

How Much Is A Catalytic Converter At The Dealership Or Mechanic Shop?

The average cost for catalytic converter replacement at your local mechanic or dealership is between $1,600 and $2500. Then you have to add in the costs of labor, shop materials, and taxes. Most people who have had to make this purchase expect it to be an expensive repair and are somewhat mentally prepared for it when the time comes for a catalytic converter replacement. For those who don’t know, the price can be a big shock!

The thing about bringing your vehicle to The Catalytic Converter Shop for a repair or replacement is that we have a different approach that makes our prices up to half of what other places charge in most cases! 

You might be wondering how that is possible without compromising on quality. Or maybe the thought of “what am I getting for my money” might be on your mind.

What am I getting for my money?

With any automotive service, customers tend to be most concerned with price and quality. Sometimes you can pay more and get more. Other times you’re left wondering, “What am I getting for my money?” 

When it comes to catalytic converter service, we find so many customers who have received astronomically high quotes at other garages and dealerships, and are left wondering, “What the heck is a catalytic converter, and why does it cost so much??” At the Catalytic Converter Shop, we bring those prices back to earth, while installing quality parts that we stand behind. You’ll get more for your money. We’ll even bring you into the shop to show you your vehicle and explain exactly what you need, so there are no mysteries about what you’re getting.

How much can you save by servicing your catalytic converter with us? We often save our customers hundreds or even thousands of dollars compared to other garages and dealerships. Savings like that might seem too good to be true. But, our prices are so different because we take a different approach to catalytic converter service compared to other places. We only replace your catalytic converter if it needs to be replaced, and we never replace it just because it happens to be connected to a different exhaust component that just needs to be repaired. When you do need a new catalytic converter, we install carefully sourced, high-quality parts that are affordable, and we utilize our skills in welding and pipe bending to build just what we need in our shop with parts and components we keep in our inventory. In other words, we are the factory and the installer, and that improves quality while saving time and money! 

Catalytic Converter Shop Warranty

Our cats carry a warranty of 2 years/25,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the function of the unit; and they carry a warranty of 5 years/50,000 miles, whichever comes first, for the integrity of the shell.   

*The vehicle must be properly maintained to preserve this warranty.

Call us to schedule an appointment. We’ll be happy to diagnose your vehicle’s problem and provide a free estimate for service. 

Price Comparisons* - Us Vs “Them” 

Below are some examples of different makes and models of vehicles and the cost differences between The Catalytic Converter Shop (TCCS), dealerships, and at an average mechanic shop. 

*Prices are approximate and subject to change based on a variety of conditions.

1. Toyota Corolla 1.8L (2003-2012 model years)

• Dealer: $2,000
• Mechanic: $950
• TCCS: $65

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2. Volvo XC90 3.2L (2007-2014 model years)

• Dealer: $2,500
• Mechanic: $1,200-$1,500
• TCCS: Typically these cars need the flex pipes attached to the rear catalytic converters: approx. $750

3. Chevy Impala 3.5L (2005-2011 model years)

• Dealer: $1,500
• Mechanic: $850
• TCCS: $450

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4. Chevy Silverado 1500, Tahoe, Suburban; GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon XL; Cadillac Escalade with 4.3L, 4.8L, 5.3L (2000 and newer model years)

• Dealer: $2,000+"
• Mechanic: $1,200
• TCCS: $450 each (customer saves money because we can replace one at a time rather than unnecessarily replacing both. Customer saves more money with us vs. mechanic because we don’t needlessly replace the good factory pipes with lesser aftermarket pipes that will rot and need replacement every few years)

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5. Dodge Charger 2.7L & 3.5L & 3.6L & 5.7L (2006 and newer)

• Dealer: $1,900
• Mechanic: $750
• TCCS: $450 for the catalytic converter. Most often it needs a flex for $250 (we replace the leaking flex pipe that’s attached to the catalytic converter that’s causing a false catalytic converter code in the computer)

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6. Ford F150, Expedition 4.6 & 5.4L (2004 and newer model years)

• Dealer: $1,500+
• Mechanic: $1,000
• TCCS: $500

7. Toyota Tundra 4.7L & 5.7L (2004 and newer)

• Dealer: $2,500
• Mechanic: $1,200
• TCCS: $500

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8. Toyota Tacoma 2.7L (2004 and newer)

• Dealer: $2,500
• Mechanic: $1,000
• TCCS: $500

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9. Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.7L, 4.7L (2005-2009 model years)

• Dealer: $2,750 for both
• Mechanic: $1,500 for both
• TCCS: $500 each (we replace each as needed)

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10. Jeep Wrangler 3.8L (2007-2009 model years)

• Dealer: $3,000 for both
• Mechanic: $1,500+ for both
• TCCS: $650 (we replace each as needed)

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11. Subaru Outback, Legacy, Forester 2.5L (2006-2012 model years)

• Dealer: $2,500+
• Mechanic: $1,300+
• TCCS: $950

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12. Mercedes-Benz E-320 (2003-3004), E-500 (2003-2006)

• Dealer: $2,000+
• Mechanic: $1,500
• TCCS: $300 to replace the rear catalytic converter on its own, saving the rest of the pipe including the front catalytic converter.

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13. Land Rover: LR3 (2005-2009) & Range Rover Sport (2006-2009)

• Dealer: $2,000+
• Mechanic: $1,200
• TCCS: $650

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These are just some of the most common price comparisons of catalytic converters we see on a daily basis. As you can see, our approach has some massive price advantages!