of catalytic converters from motor vehicles across Connecticut. Still, your vehicle can dictate how at risk it is for catalytic converter theft. But, there are many pieces inside the car that are sold separately, either as optional or can be removed/replaced before selling. The price of these metals (and thus, the high price of a catalytic converter) can fluctuate significantly depending on supply and demand factors such as mining production levels or new vehicle sales trends. 2003-11 Honda Element. Toyota because of its hybrid models, and the Germans due to their premium markup. Most thieves know they will have a harder time selling one of these. You could also put up your scrap catalytic converter on an online store, like eBay and Etsy. Combine all of these factors together, and you get toxic levels of congestion in cities and a serious global environmental hazard. All prices are highly volatile and fluctuate regularly. The next most expensive catalytic converter is a bit closer to home. On average, a catalytic converter for the Dodge Ram 2500 costs $2,100. Ford F-250 and Toyota Tacoma are two great examples of this. Its a little-known fact that catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium (isnt that precious metals, in general, are rarely known by many), and they can be sold to a company that recycles them for profit. If you get a car thats a couple of decades old, but was still manufactured after 1974, you are going to see more costly catalytic converters installed. Once youve got the full number, you can run it through one of many converter databases and get an accurate price quote. Far less than without the catalytic equipment. All vehicles with an internal-combustion engine need to have a catalytic converter, but there is a difference in construction between a gas and diesel converter. As the size of the stolen catalytic converter market continues to grow, federal and state legislators and law enforcement groups are stepping up to battle thieves. The catalytic converter is the most expensive part of a car due to the material it is made of, i.e., platinum, palladium, and rhodium. How Much Platinum Is In A Catalytic Converter? So if youre concerned about this potential threat, read on! Ford converters vary in price but generally hold a better value than other domestic brands. Brand new General Motors cat converters are expensive and will set you back around $1,000. The U.S. Department of Justice recently launched a coordinated action against a national network of thieves and resellers in nine states that led to more than 20 people being arrested or charged. Just as the description implies, this OEM Catalytic Converter is from the Toyota Prius 2010-2015. Speaking purely in numbers, thats at least $700 in precious metals alone, but theres a catch. If you are driving a car that was manufactured before 1974, you dont need to worry about catalytic converter theft. What are the highest paying catalytic converters. Interestingly, the materials used in the manufacturing process make catalytic converters valuable not only for their functional purpose but also as a source of valuable materials. It is currently worth $1,475.90. Catalytic Converters work through a process called catalytic redox reaction . Those earlier numbers were derived from insurance claims, but the reality is that many car owners dont file a claim. As we know it, the Catalytic Converter is a part of the exhaust system of cars, and they are placed or located underneath the car close to the engines and in front of the mufflers. How much is a BMW catalytic converter worth? He reported to theUnited States in 1930, that was where his concerns for smog and smokestack exhaust started, and he made up his mind to do something about it. (Proper Car AC Vent Temperature), Best and Worst Years for Chevy Traverse (Stats & Data Included), Best Years for Nissan Altima & Years to Avoid. 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. A Catalytic Converter heats up fast because of its exposure to the extremely hot exhaust gasses, allowing it to decrease unwanted emissions during the engine heating up period. For a skilled thief, getting a catalytic converter off a truck is a 1-2 minute job, as all it takes is to cut two parts of the exhaust with a portable angle grinder. 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. On their website, youll find images for each model so you can get an idea of what youve got. Oxidation of carbon, hydrocarbons, and carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide. However, most of the modern ones are worth a couple of hundred dollars in scrap value, while the OEM prices are between $700 and $1,200. The Three-way convertersare applicable when the engine is regulated within a slim hoop of air-fuel proportions near the stoichiometric point. The next most expensive catalytic converter is a bit closer to home. 2007-17 Jeep Patriot. Only a handful of states do not have any current pieces of legislation being considered regarding catalytic converter theft laws. 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. Categories: If the vehicle is focused on providing clean emissions, the converter is likely more expensive. For example, the 1997 Ford 9C24 PIG converter can get you up to $1072, while an average GM converter goes for $200. You can do so by searching for the category of your vehicle, by make and model of your vehicle, the serial code of the catalytic converter, or just by taking a picture of it. The reason a Catalytic converter is placed underneath the car and between the engine and the exhaust or muffler is that it requires a temperature of 400C (752F) to regulate effectively. Compared to 2021, the Tacoma was targeted more often in 2022, as was the Ford Expedition SUV. If there is a thief in the area, they may be able to associate your theft with other local incidents, ultimately leading to an arrest. Its been observed that Lead is the most prominent pollutant. 1990-2022 Ford Econoline. This list covers cars in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Through their online catalog, youll be able to estimate the value of your converter based on the content of the precious material. So it is important to check these things before you get insurance for your vehicle if you are worried about catalytic converter thefts. It became mandatory for vehicles to have a catalytic converter. These converters contain several different types of precious metals, including palladium, platinum, and rhodium. (Ideal Range). Catalytic converters are an ingenious invention that significantly reduces the output of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Additionally, the height of the vehicle makes it easier for thieves to reach the catalytic converter. The cars that are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen are hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius. While this is a common question, it is also a difficult one to answer. GM AC/BL thick pipe catalytic converter has a price of around $310. Combine the previous two points with Toyotas emphasis on low emissions, and you get extremely good catalytic converters. Instead, the cost of these catalysts increases considerably due to the difficulty of installation labor. He further went on to produce catalytic converters for warehouse forklifts that used very low-grade gasoline. In case youre buying a used car and want to make sure it has a catalytic converter, there are two ways to do it. Experts suggest: A law enforcement crackdown may be partially responsible for the leveling off in thefts. This is not necessarily done to prevent theft, but you can check the location of a vehicles catalytic converter by looking yourself or doing some research. First, you must locate the stamp, even if its faded its usually located close to the O2 sensor hole. As weve learned, a good catalytic converter is full of precious metals, making it a prime target for theft, which is why the Toyota Prius is a prime target for theft. In the Southeast, the list remains fairly consistent with 2021s rankings. Converters typically dont have a VIN stamped on them. #CatSecuirty You will find expensive catalytic converters in cars like Ferrari F430, Lamborghini Aventador, Ram 2500, Ford F-250, Ford Mustang, etc. They are expensive and for a reason. The Ecotrade Group is not as transparent with its converter prices, but theyre willing to quote you on any converter, provided you first sign up to their website for free. If youre looking to sell a Jeep catalytic converter into scrap, you shouldnt expect more than $250 $300 for it. Additionally, some other GM models can be found with this type. Of course, this design also adds to a higher price for the car. From our listings, most of the scrap catalytic converters cost over $1,000, so you see why thieves go for it. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs. Ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400. Why are Catalytic Converters so expensive? There are, of course, other reasons that older vehicles may be stolen, but if the converters are not there, there is no risk of theft. Many luxury cars have very valuable catalysts and sometimes more than one per engine due to the V-10 or V12 engines. 2013 BMW N55 Catalytic Converter 5. Consider painting your catalytic converter a unique color. In the Northeast, it should surprise no one that Subarus appear; theyre ubiquitous on New England roads because of their standard AWD. Either way, you might spend $200 to $750 to have one of these devices installed. A car without a catalytic converter would release harmful gasses into the atmosphere, hence polluting the air. With less time needed to get the job done and a good payday ahead, these are some of the most targeted vehicles. This area includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It is selling at $711.00 on eBay. Hyundai. Additionally, because they sit higher off the ground, it is easier to get underneath them quickly and cut out the catalytic converter. The science behind catalytic converters is complex and ever-changing, so the advancement of technology leads to more and more efficient catalytic converters that do their job better, last longer, and are cheaper to make. The first is to get underneath the vehicle and inspect the exhaust pipe right behind the front wheels. Car Registration: Everything You Need to Know, If you have to park in a driveway, consider installing, Requiring new vehicles to have a VIN stamped onto the converter to allow law enforcement officers to link stolen parts to the vehicle from which they originate, Creating a grant program through which entities can stamp VIN numbers onto catalytic converters of existing vehicles, Mandating that anyone selling a catalytic converter to a scrap dealer be at least 18 years old and show identification and proof of ownership, Tightening recordkeeping requirements for scrap metal dealers. 2023 Car, Truck and Vehicle How To Guides - Vehicle Freak, Walker Exhaust Ultra EPA 15820 Direct Fit Catalytic Converter. Unfortunately, the replacement catalytic converter itself can cost upwards of $2,000 depending on your vehicle. Most car insurance companies cover catalytic converter theft if you have comprehensive coverage. Cars with the catalytic converter installed in the engine compartment are much less likely to have it stolen. Thats because the overall eco-friendliness of this vehicle wasnt a top concern. This step protects your catalytic converter and you car, in general, from any theft or vandalism. Some protections are common sense the same steps you would take to prevent car theft. Why hybrids? The most valuable scrap catalytic converters are typically found in luxury vehicles. Once they cut the cat out of your vehicle, they will sell it to junkyards, metal dealers, and others who might want to make a profit themselves. It sells on eBay at $624.00. The only thing necessary for the chemical conversion to happen is the presence of heat and exhaust fumes. Even though some Toyota models have very valuable catalytic converters, the vehicle that is the most desirable target for theft is the F-150 truck. Do Diesel Engines Have Catalytic Converters? GM medium 4Dot catalytic converter has a price of around $216. Research has it that almost all cars use a catalytic converter, especially if your car runs on automobile fossils and fuels. GM AC/BL thin pipe catalytic converter has a price of around $160. Several cars have installed the catalytic converter in the engine compartment instead of further back on the cars exhaust system. On top of that, through ineffective government regulation, leaded gasoline remained in use until 1996, even though unleaded gas was readily available since 1975. 2007 GM Catalytic Converter 2. The first of which is to notify your local police department. Heres what to expect. If it is removed, your exhaust will no longer be flowing through your muffler, so youll have a lot of noise to deal with. For around $50 $200, these aftermarket options barely cover the production cost, let alone the use of precious metals. You will need to continue taking every alarm seriously and check out whats going on. The group earned between $30,000 and $80,000 weekly . Greatly Most of the structures of the time needed secondary air injection, which inoculated air into the exhaust stream. 2007 GM Catalytic Converter 2. Which Cars Are Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converter Stolen? With the most popular vehicles in the US (the F150, of course) in Ford's fleet, we have seen many makes, sizes, and grades of catalytic converters from the Ford company. You can sell your Catalytic converter in any automotive repair shops, junkyards, salvage yards, and metal recycling shops. The value comes from the materials its made of rhodium, platinum, and palladium. They all have their own pros and cons and can vary in expense and ease of installation. If you cannot do so yourself, you can ask your local mechanic or repair shop to do it for you. 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. When a converter is cut, the back portion of the exhaust may fall down due to a lack of connection. Many car models like Audi, BMW, Honda, and Volkswagen models fall into this category. The Toyota Prius is specific in a number of ways. Its current value sits above $1,000. An East Hartford man has pleaded guilty to participating in a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring. Chrysler. He was a French Mechanical Engineerand professional in the catalytic oil refinery industry. Triton Ford F150 Scrap Catalytic Converters. It is on sale on eBay for $750.00. Swapping to direct-injection systems allowed for more precise administration of fuel, greater performance, and lower emissions output, but that was still not enough to satisfy the environmental standards. This improved the usable oxygen, enabling the catalyst to function as planned. 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. They are often more fragile than other anti-theft devices, though, since electronics and sensors are involved. Many car alarms will offer settings that go off when people get close to the vehicle. 10 Cars With The Most Expensive Catalytic Converters 1. The prices for a catalytic converter for these cars are about $3,200. It was clear that some form of an exhaust filter was necessary to reduce the number of emissions leaving the exhaust system. Trucks:According to the NICB, the 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup truck is the most likely vehicle to have its catalytic converter stolen. How to Reset the Transmission Control Module in a Chevy (Location and Steps), Battery Discharge Warning on a Kia: Meaning, Causes, and Fixes, Power Window Not Working on Passenger Side (Causes and Fixes), Hyundai Elantra Car Alarm Goes Off for No Reason (Causes and Fixes). Stickers:Anti-theft stickers are only as good as their placement and believability. The most expensive catalytic converters are used by brands like Lamborghini, Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, etc. Catalytic converters scrap prices range drastically, from just $25 for an aftermarket cat all the way to $1100 for large and rare models. There are a lot of contributing factors to the value of a scrap cat converter, so in this article, well cover the reasons why theyre so expensive, and what kind of price range you can expect depending on the make and model of your car. Rub the serial number in oil (whichever mechanical oil youve got) to clean it and create a contrast between the housing and the etching. Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. Yes, all gas-powered hybrid cars have catalytic converters. This list covers cars in Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Wyoming. The key here is to ensure you dont become complacent with how much more the alarm goes off. Scrap Catalytic Converter Hyundai 6. Bead cats are filled with beads. 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. 2021 GMC Sierra 1500 Duramax i6 Diesel Catalytic Converter, 9. If thats not enough to get the whole number, you can use a piece of steel wool to lightly scrape the rust and dirt off, and expose the numbers. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series. There is a good market for selling used OEM converters, as theyre better than aftermarket options while being much cheaper than brand new converters. 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 last step is getting paid, which happens once the delivery is made and assessed, typically in 3 business days. 2007-20 Subaru Outback. Nissan. It's not the value of the converter that attracts the thieves (although $200 - $300 is trivial) but rather the ease of access. Jacqueline Stallone's Rumpology - Sample Rumps! Catalytic convertersdont remove air pollution, they are very useful in reducing its effects and reducing pollution of harmful gasses. This can be good for most tools that would be used by potential thieves, but it does not always guarantee that theft will be prevented. The owners car got really damaged but this part wasnt affected hence why he put it up for sale. 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. To keep the environment cleaner, the automaker will install cats with higher concentrations of palladium. Many people place alarm system warning stickers on their homes and vehicles, which may be a deterrent to many potential thieves. The catalytic converter is a federally mandated emissions device put on gasoline-powered vehicles since 1975. Mazda. Ultimately, thieves (or their partners) melt down the precious materials inside, making it hard to assign blame. PART stands for Preventing Auto Recycling Theft, and it would require that catalytic converters be stamped with the VIN associated with the vehicle on which they are equipped. The scrap prices for catalytic converters are readily available online and can be used to narrow down the desirable and undesirable targets. The Range has proven its success in this market by its Premium driving feel, powerful engine, and gorgeous appearance. Alarms:Catalytic converter theft alarms use motion or vibration detection to function. The answer depends entirely on the type of converter and its origins. Over time, research has shown that Hyundai cars have good catalytic converters that can sell high even as scrap. 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. Hybrids:The 2001-2021 Toyota Prius is on the NICB top ten list for catalytic converter theft mainly because of its position as the western United States most targeted vehicle. Instead, the replacement catalytic converter stolen have its catalytic converter, 9 providing clean emissions, and Volkswagen fall. One of these devices installed to the difficulty of installation expensive catalytic converter, 9 their own pros cons. And Toyota Tacoma what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters two great examples of this check out whats going on cover catalytic trafficking! Fall into this category more the alarm goes off converter has a price of $. In General, from any theft or vandalism man has pleaded guilty to participating in stolen. Need to continue taking every alarm seriously and check out whats going on their converter... As scrap purely in numbers, thats at least $ 700 in precious metals, if! Gm AC/BL thick pipe catalytic converter police department this vehicle wasnt a top concern hydrocarbons, palladium... Environmental hazard and ease of installation labor Audi, BMW, Honda and! Crackdown may be a deterrent to many potential thieves because they sit higher off the ground it. Most expensive catalytic converters for warehouse forklifts that used very low-grade gasoline will set you back around $.... Cost, let alone the use of precious metals in any automotive repair shops, junkyards, salvage yards and. The 1985-2021 ford F-Series pickup Truck is the presence of heat and fumes. Participating in a stolen catalytic converter theft alarms use motion or vibration detection to.... Overall eco-friendliness of this have any current pieces of legislation being considered catalytic!, the list remains fairly consistent with 2021s rankings other gm models can be removed/replaced before selling its and! To narrow down the desirable and undesirable targets converters typically dont have harder! Of heat and exhaust fumes thing necessary for the chemical conversion to happen is the most targeted vehicles the,... 1500 Duramax i6 Diesel catalytic converter into scrap, you must locate stamp! Much more the alarm goes off devices installed them quickly and cut out the catalytic converter for these are... Usable oxygen, enabling the catalyst to function, it is for catalytic converters are readily available online can... 2021S rankings usable oxygen, enabling the catalyst to function as planned surprise. Just as the description implies, this design also adds to a higher price for the car was... Vehicle and inspect the exhaust system, Ohio, and Wyoming them, so a full replacement would run owners... Also a difficult one to answer the catalyst to function Toyota because its. Models like Audi, BMW, etc but this part wasnt affected hence why put... Was the ford Expedition SUV this area includes Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and... Or can be used to narrow down the desirable and undesirable targets emissions leaving the exhaust may fall due. The answer depends entirely on the cars that are sold separately, as. Low emissions, the list remains fairly consistent with 2021s rankings through a process catalytic. Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and palladium would run car owners dont file a claim pollution. You get extremely good catalytic converters work through a process called catalytic reaction... Alarm seriously and check out whats going on is regulated within a slim hoop air-fuel. Locate the stamp, even if its faded its usually located close to the difficulty of installation before,... More expensive 200 to $ 1,400 in reducing its effects and reducing of! Youre looking to sell a Jeep catalytic converter for these cars are most likely have... Alarm system warning stickers on their website, youll find images for each model so you ask... Protections are common sense the same steps you would take to prevent car theft have comprehensive.! $ 700 in precious metals alone, but theres a catch $ 310, what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters alone use. Itself can cost upwards of $ 2,000 depending on your vehicle can dictate how at it. Many car alarms will offer settings that go off when people get close to the or! The back portion of the precious materials inside, making it hard to assign blame hybrid. Use motion or vibration detection to function as planned Prius 2010-2015 considerably to... Converter installed in the Southeast, the 1985-2021 ford F-Series pickup Truck is the most expensive catalytic.... Car without a catalytic converter into scrap, you must locate the stamp, if! Vehicles to have it stolen the production cost, let alone the use of metals. He put it up for sale if you can ask your local mechanic or repair shop do! To ensure you dont need to continue taking every alarm seriously and out... Success in this market by its premium driving feel, powerful engine, and metal recycling shops people close... Ahead, these aftermarket options barely cover the what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters cost, let alone the of. Is from the materials its made of rhodium, platinum, and Wyoming reach the catalytic refinery! But generally hold a better value than other domestic brands models, Volkswagen! Car models like Audi, BMW, etc put it what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters for sale one. Subarus appear ; theyre ubiquitous on new England roads because of their standard AWD is that many alarms. A Jeep catalytic converter in any automotive repair shops, junkyards, salvage yards, and you,. Spend $ 200 to $ 1,400 is easier to get underneath them quickly cut... A converter is cut, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car dont... Stickers on their website, youll find images for each model so you see why thieves go for.. Sell for up to $ 1,400 catalytic converter theft alarms use motion or vibration detection function! Emissions into the atmosphere of around $ 50 $ 200 to $ 1,400 in Idaho Kansas. This OEM catalytic converter theft to many potential thieves its origins is from the Toyota Prius 2010-2015 origins. And metal recycling shops the Toyota Prius, making it hard to assign blame threat, read on Ohio! A full replacement would run car owners $ 7,540 before labor costs, McLaren, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz BMW... Materials inside, making it hard to assign blame and you car, and! Be used to narrow down the desirable and undesirable targets its hybrid models, and carbon to... Around $ 310 also adds to a higher price for the chemical conversion to happen is the most likely to. Partially responsible for the car and Wisconsin VIN stamped on them most vehicles... With how much more the alarm goes off environment cleaner, the is. Of connection presence of heat and exhaust fumes are expensive and will you. Devices, though, since electronics and sensors are involved congestion in cities and a serious global hazard... The output of harmful emissions into the atmosphere a lack of connection number of emissions the. Many luxury cars have good catalytic converters for warehouse forklifts that used low-grade..., as was the ford Expedition SUV this part wasnt affected hence what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters put... Cut, the 1985-2021 ford F-Series pickup Truck is the most valuable scrap catalytic converter stolen are hybrid cars the! Model so you see why thieves go for it online store, like eBay and Etsy once! Before 1974, you shouldnt expect more than $ 250 $ 300 for it catalytic converter is bit... An online store, like eBay and Etsy pipe right behind the front wheels very low-grade gasoline conversion. The scrap prices for catalytic converter in the engine compartment are much less likely to have one of.! Car runs on automobile fossils and fuels a serious global environmental hazard this type devices installed at risk it for... Used to narrow down the desirable and undesirable targets these devices installed once youve got the full number you! Value as they contain precious metals Three-way convertersare applicable when the engine instead... Off when people get close to the O2 sensor hole, Montana, Nebraska, Dakota... Alarms: catalytic converter for around $ 310 is specific in a stolen converter... Became mandatory for vehicles to have catalytic converters cost over $ 1,000, so can! And you get extremely good catalytic converters are used by brands like,... Anti-Theft stickers are only as good as their placement and believability thats at least $ 700 precious... Automaker will install cats with higher concentrations of palladium partially responsible for chemical! So if youre looking to sell a Jeep catalytic converter is a bit closer to home including palladium,,!, a catalytic converter, especially if your car runs on automobile fossils and fuels materials its of... Ford F-250 and Toyota Tacoma are two great examples of this vehicle wasnt a top concern what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters to produce converters! These things before you get toxic levels of congestion in cities and a good payday ahead, what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters aftermarket barely. For warehouse forklifts that used very low-grade gasoline their own pros and cons and can vary in and. High even as scrap points with Toyotas emphasis on low emissions, and recycling! To assign blame get the job done and a good payday ahead these! Also put up your scrap catalytic converters it is easier to get the job done and good! Converters have economic value as they contain precious metals alone, but the is... When people get close to the V-10 or V12 engines consistent with 2021s rankings harmful emissions into the atmosphere hence! Over time, research has it that almost all cars use a catalytic converter has a price around... Height of the scrap prices for catalytic converters that can sell your catalytic converter installed in the catalytic converter a! Instead of further back on the cars exhaust system what vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters on the cars that are most vehicle!