How Much Money Is a Catalytic Converter Worth?

For most passenger vehicles in today’s market, a used catalytic converter sold for scrap is typically worth about $50–$300, while certain high-value OEM units (notably from hybrids like the Toyota Prius) can fetch $400–$1,500; aftermarket units are often worth only $5–$50. If you’re replacing one, a new, compliant converter installed can cost roughly $800–$2,500 or more depending on your vehicle and your state’s emissions rules. The exact value hinges on the precious metals inside (platinum, palladium, rhodium), whether it’s OEM or aftermarket, and local regulations.

What Determines Value

Catalytic converters are priced primarily for the recoverable precious metals in the ceramic “honeycomb” core: platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Metal prices are volatile and, after hitting historic highs in 2021–2022, have eased but remain unpredictable. The unit’s origin (OEM vs. aftermarket), size, condition, and current demand among processors also shape the payout. Market compliance rules and theft-prevention laws in your state further influence how, and how much, you can be paid.

Typical Scrap Price Ranges

The following ranges reflect common U.S. scrap offers paid for intact OEM converters in fair condition, before any refining. Actual quotes vary by time, location, metal markets, and buyer.

• Aftermarket “universal” converters: about $5–$50
• Common OEM gasoline car/truck converters: about $50–$300
• High-value OEM units (e.g., many Toyota Prius generations, some SUVs and select diesels): about $400–$1,500
• Large diesel DOC/DPF cans (where accepted): roughly $200–$800, highly variable by model and condition

These are scrap values for recycling the metals, not resale as a functioning part. Yards may pay less for contaminated, damaged, or decanned units, and offers can swing with daily metals pricing.

Replacement Cost If You’re Buying New

Purchasing and installing a new, emissions-compliant catalytic converter generally runs $800–$2,500+ for most modern vehicles, and can be higher for multi-converter systems, some trucks/SUVs, diesels, or luxury models. Costs rise in CARB states (such as California, New York, and Colorado) that require specific certified parts. Labor, gaskets, oxygen sensors, and hardware can add to the total. Insurance may cover theft-related replacement subject to your policy and deductible.

How to Estimate What Yours Is Worth

Because value is model-specific, the most reliable quotes come from matching your exact unit to known buyer databases and current metals markets. These steps can help you get a realistic number while staying within the law.

1. Identify the unit: Note your vehicle’s year, make, model, and VIN; look for OEM part numbers stamped on the shell (clean off rust and road grime to reveal codes).
2. Confirm OEM vs. aftermarket: OEM units usually pay far more. Aftermarket converters may show brand names, “universal” markings, or CARB Executive Order (EO) labels.
3. Get multiple quotes: Call local scrap yards and reputable core buyers; provide photos, measurements, and any stamped codes for precise pricing.
4. Use trusted online catalogs: Many buyers list converter code lookups with indicative ranges; compare, but beware of prices that seem too good to be true.
5. Watch the metals market: Pt/Pd/Rh prices move; a strong week can improve offers, while dips reduce them.
6. Comply with laws: Bring ID and proof of ownership; expect photos, serial logging, delayed or non-cash payments where required.

This process won’t guarantee a top-dollar sale, but it helps you avoid lowball offers and keeps the transaction compliant with state and federal rules.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Because of widespread theft, many states now require identification, proof of ownership, detailed record-keeping, and often prohibit cash payments for catalytic converters. Buying or selling stolen converters carries severe criminal penalties. It is also illegal under the U.S. Clean Air Act to tamper with emissions systems; installing used catalytic converters is restricted or banned in several jurisdictions. When replacing, ensure the new unit meets federal or CARB standards applicable in your state.

Why Values Change

Prices fluctuate with global supplies and industrial demand for platinum-group metals, changes in mining output, shifts between gasoline and hybrid powertrains, recycling volumes, and regulatory enforcement. After the 2021–2022 spike—especially in rhodium—scrap payouts cooled, and quotes since then have been lower and more selective, with pronounced variation by make and model.

Signs of a Higher-Value Converter

While only an assay or a buyer’s code database can pinpoint value, certain traits often track with better offers.

• OEM units from hybrids (notably Toyota Prius) and some SUVs/trucks
• Larger, heavier cans and dense honeycomb substrates
• Dual-stage or multi-brick designs
• Clear OEM part numbers or identifiable shell stamps
• Clean internals without oil or coolant contamination

These indicators are helpful, but final value depends on the specific converter code and current metal prices.

Summary

In today’s market, most scrap catalytic converters bring roughly $50–$300, with premium OEM units reaching $400–$1,500 and aftermarket pieces often under $50. New replacements typically cost $800–$2,500+ installed, more in CARB states or for complex systems. Identify your exact unit, get multiple quotes, and follow all documentation requirements—values rise and fall with platinum, palladium, and rhodium prices and with evolving anti-theft laws.

What is in a catalytic converter that is worth so much money?

Catalytic converters are valuable because they contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium—precious metals called platinum group metals (PGMs) that act as catalysts to convert harmful vehicle emissions into less harmful substances. The presence of these rare and costly metals makes them a valuable commodity for recycling and a target for theft, with the specific value depending on the amount and type of PGMs within the converter.
 
Why These Metals Are Valuable

• Catalytic Properties: Platinum, palladium, and rhodium are highly effective at facilitating chemical reactions. 
• Environmental Function: They are essential for transforming pollutants like carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides into carbon dioxide, water, and nitrogen, significantly reducing environmental pollution. 
• Durability: These metals are tough and resistant to corrosion, acid, and heat, making them durable and long-lasting. 
• Rarity and Demand: These PGMs are rare, and there is a high demand for them across various industries, which increases their market value. 

What Determines Their Value

• Metal Content: Opens in new tabThe specific types and amounts of platinum, palladium, and rhodium in a converter determine its value. 
• Vehicle Type: Opens in new tabLuxury and high-end vehicles often contain more PGMs, making their converters more valuable. 
• Market Prices: Opens in new tabFluctuations in the global market price for these precious metals directly influence the value of a catalytic converter. 

What is the salvage price of a catalytic converter?

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On average, Regular Domestic converters are priced between $18 and $124, but the final quote depends on size, structure, and internal material composition.

Will scrap yards buy catalytic converters?

HOW IT WORKS. Well, many scrap yards will buy catalytic converters. They will often pay very low value. Most scrap yards are more concerned with their regular day-to-day business in the metal world and not the cat world.

How much is a catalytic converter sold?

For direct-fit options, a replacement can cost anywhere from $300.00 to $2,500.00, depending on the model, for just the cost of the part. You should also think about labor costs, which could cost between $70 and $130 an hour to install the converter.