Hi all,
2005 Toyota Matrix XR, 4 Cylinder, 2WD, 1.8L 4CYL DOHC 16V VVT-i SFI Engine 4
Over 200K miles, and a check engine light that says it’s the catalytic converter.
Live in California - this is important.
I am shopping for a new catalytic converter for the car…because I am broke and can’t afford a new car (so please no “it’ll cost more than the value of the car” - I know, but these are my circumstances).
Local Toyota dealership says I need the part ($1383.23), plus 2 gaskets and an oxygen sensor for a grand total of nearly $1800. Toyota parts: 17410-0D341, 17451-0D050, 17451-0D020, 89465-02190.
I can find the catalytic converter at another dealership out of state for $1,119.78, so slightly cheaper, and the grand total there would be $1332.47 (shipping would be $37 and no tax, which accounts for the significantly cheaper price).
The hitch, besides the price, is that the converter is on backorder at Toyota and has been for months, and Toyota isn’t sure when it’s coming in. I will need it by February so I can pass my smog and have my car’s registration renewed by March.
I also see parts on Rock Auto in the $750-$875 range (attached image), but I am not sure if they are the correct parts. And anyone I can ask around me has a subversive financial aim, so I am distrustful.
Can anyone here advise me? Many thanks in advance.
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I have a walker on my Prius for the last year with zero issues no CEL
In CA?
Look on your underhood emission sticker and get the engine family number. As you can see there are a few for that year.
Also there are 2 kinds of Aftermarket Converters you can get.
They call them “Direct fit” or “Universal.”
Universal does not mean they will fit any vehicle but rather that they can fit a few vehicles because they have to be welded in.
Like this Walker cat for your car is even less expensive than the ones you got listed but it would need to be welded into your existing pipes.
https://www.rockauto.com/en/parts/walker,84101,catalytic+converter,5808
So I think the way Rock Auto breaks it out is “OE Designed” are the direct fit ones. If you are going to DIY that is what you want get is a direct fit one so you can bolt it in.