I have a 2007 Prius with relatively love mileage (under 73K). My catalytic converter was stolen 10 days ago from the parking lot in front of my apartment. I know I'm in good company, but it's a real bummer. I'm still having big time sticker shock at the cost of a new OEM cat, which is what my mechanic is recommending (almost $2300 for the part alone). I want my car to run at peak performance, as much as possible for its age - including low emissions and good mileage. I want my car to retain its value (even though I am not planning to resell it), and I don't want to have to replace the catalytic converter again if I can help it. But I'm also hesitating at the cost of this part, and I'm a little worried about it being stolen again, given what I'm reading in this forum. I see that there are a lot of threads with feedback on different non-OEM catalytic converters. But can anyone with more mechanical-technical knowledge tell me whether there are advantages to shelling out for an OEM part? And if I do that, should I pay for one of these theft prevention shields, too?
i have no expertise, but from what i have read, if your state allows it, a couple hundred dollar cat will work fine. at that price plus installation it may or may not be worth a cat shield. plus, only a dumb thief would go to the trouble of stealing it. but there are some dumb thieves
I'm definitely thinking about a shield, especially if I decide to go with an OEM part (which I'm really not sure about.) Do you think an anti-theft alarm on the catalytic converter or an anti-tilt alarm would work to deter theft? I need to search the forums to see what people say about anti-tilt alarms.
