What Are The Most Expensive Catalytic Converters? Everything You Need To Know
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The catalytic converter is a component that most people aren’t familiar with. Although most buyers won’t consider a catalytic converter as a primary criterion when shopping, it’s, in fact, one of the most valuable parts of a car.
Unfortunately, many of you were acquainted with catalytic converters because they’re popular targets for thieves. At worst, you’re made aware of the catalytic converters’ existence because you discovered that the one attached to your vehicle is now gone. For more information, check out our write-up about the most stolen catalytic converters.
With that said, if you’re wondering just how expensive catalytic converters are, you’ve come to the right place. Today we’ll list some of the most expensive catalytic converters and which vehicle they came from. Let’s take a look!
Most Expensive Catalytic Converters
Below are some vehicles with the most expensive catalytic converters, from luxury sports cars to massive trucks.
1. Ferrari F430 ($3,770)
As you might expect, the Ferrari F430 is hardly a cheap vehicle, so its components are wildly expensive, including its catalytic converter. The F430’s catalytic converter is priced upwards of $3,700, which is already exorbitantly expensive by itself. However, the F430 requires two to operate, so you’re looking at more than seven grand if you’re looking to replace both.
2. Lamborghini Aventador ($3,120)
To no one’s surprise, the Lamborghini’s Aventador supercar houses one of the most expensive catalytic converters ever. On its own, a single converter will cost you around $3,120, making it the third most costly on the market. However, like the F430, the Aventador operates with two catalytic converters, so you’ll have to spend more than $6,000 to replace both units. At the end of the day, you can probably afford one or two converters at any price if you own an Aventador.
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3. Ram 2500 ($3,460)
From luxury supercars to a rugged large pickup truck, this isn’t an error. The famous Ram 2500 actually has the second most expensive catalytic converter on a per-unit basis. With a price tag of $3,460 a piece, the Ram’s converter is more expensive than the Aventador. However, since the 2500 only needs one converter to run, it sits comfortably in third place. It’s also worth noting that this powerhouse truck is one of the most common targets of catalytic converter thefts. So if you own a 2500 truck, ensure you secure your vehicle correctly.
4. Ford F-250 ($2,800)
The fourth most expensive catalytic converter comes from another popular pickup truck, the Ford F-250. Like the 2500 truck, the F-250 is a favorite among catalytic converter thieves. However, compared to the price tags of the first three vehicles, there’s quite a value drop at $2,800 per catalytic converter – and that’s when you want an original part manufactured by Ford. If you go for aftermarket converters, you’ll have a significantly lower bill at $1,200 for a set of two.
5. Ford Mustang ($1,500)
The Ford Mustang is a proper vehicle of choice for the average enjoyer of top-down trips on the Sunset Strip. Furthermore, the Mustang also houses high-quality and expensive catalytic converters. Compared to the previously highlighted vehicles, the Ford Mustang’s catalytic converter price is almost twice as less expensive compared to the F-250. However, the average price tag of $1,500 for the converter is still quite pricey and nothing to scoff at.
Why Are Catalytic Converters So Expensive?
You’re probably asking why they’re considered valuable with all the incidents of catalytic converters theft. It’s just a tiny component of your vehicle’s exhaust system; why are they being targeted by thieves and expensive?
The primary reason lies with its name. Catalytic converters make use of chemical catalysts to clean your car’s exhaust system. Due to the potency of these catalysts, chemical compounds are converted like how nitrogen oxide becomes nitrogen and oxygen, etc.
To ensure the conversions are successful, only certain elements can be used as catalysts, including platinum, palladium, rhodium, and other precious metals. As you might expect, these metals are expensive. For example, platinum costs about $1,135 per ounce, while palladium costs $2,332 per ounce.
To help keep costs down, car manufacturers are doing their best to use as few precious metals as possible. However, there’s a limit to how much you can minimize the use of precious metals for catalytic converters. Even then, a small amount of these metals can be very valuable.
In addition, it’s not like there’s an unlimited supply of these precious metals. Many vehicles use palladium for catalytic converters, which is one of the primary uses of metal. It’s safe to say that catalytic converters will continue to be valuable in the future.
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Tips to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft
Below are some tips to protect yourself from catalytic converter thefts:
Know if you’re a target
In general, trucks and SUVs are more common targets because it’s easier to slide under them to access the catalytic converter. According to NerdWallet, here are the models that are most targeted nationwide:
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord
- 2007-2017 Jeep Patriot
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado
- 2005-2021 Chevrolet Equinox
- 1997-2020 Honda CR-V
- 1987-2019 Toyota Camry
- 2011-2017 Chrysler 200
- 2001-2021 Toyota Prius
Use an anti-theft device
Consider investing in a cable locking device for your converter, it’s certainly cheaper than buying a new catalytic converter for replacement. These devices can range from $300 to $800. Some popular devices include:
- A steel shield covering the converter
- Cages made with strong steel components
- Stainless steel cables protecting the part and welded to the car frame
Install alarms and cameras
Install alarms that can activate when your vehicle is tilted (i.e., being jacked). Also, you can install motion-sensing cameras on the dash to let you know of a theft in progress. In addition, you can also use motion-sensing lights to deter thieves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it true that thieves are targeting catalytic converters?
Unfortunately, it’s true. Catalytic converters are common targets of thieves due to the precious metals within them, usually palladium and rhodium. As you can see from our list of the most common expensive catalytic converters, they can be very valuable. Plus, it’s less of a risk for thieves since they only have to steal a single component rather than the entire vehicle.
Can you drive without a catalytic converter?
Technically, yes. You can still drive your car without a catalytic converter, but it’s not a long-term sustainable option because you’ll run into numerous mechanical issues. For example, you’ll likely experience rough driving and acceleration sans your catalytic converter. Most importantly, your car will emit harmful emissions, and you’ll probably fail your next emission test.
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Do I have to replace my catalytic converter?
This depends on which state you live in. Some states don’t conduct emission tests, so they don’t care if you have a failing catalytic converter. However, in some states with strict emission standards like California, a failing or malfunctioning catalytic converter will surely get you a failed inspection result.
In addition, some vehicles have converters that are designed to restrict your vehicle’s exhaust flow when they fail. This could potentially lead to engine failure.
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