New 2025: is it still susceptible to catalytic converter theft?

Toyota thinks so.....Available from Toyota.com .....

 

No and yes.

The main cats are way up on the exhaust manifold and very difficult to access from underneath.

However there's another segment in the exhaust that's either a secondary cat or a resonator or something. Take with a grain of salt, but I've been told there's much less precious metal content in this section compared to the one that's part of the manifold. But that would be small comfort if a thief still chopped it out and you had to replace it(roughly $1100 MSRP).

So I think it boils down to how smart you think the cat thieves are in your area. Pro rings probably won't bother with the gen5, but who knows about meth tweakers.

SM-S901U ?

 

The precious metal content has come since the gen2. Technology has improved, and the US cut the level of sufur in gas for Tier III emissions.

 

Yes…would love an update. I was planning on putting one on mine simply because my 2009 cat shield was stolen. More for peace of mind at this point but I could use the $$ to go towards spare tire instead.

If all goes well, the Corolla Cross hybrid is being traded in for 2025 Prius by the end of the month. : /

 

Wait a minute.

Your catalytic converter was stolen?

Or your catalytic converter shield was stolen??

 

Unknown; because it's a "catch-22"; If you install a CAT shield - did you keep someone from stealing your CAT?
IMHO; the best defense is a CAT shield & motion sensor; since they need to lift the car in order to get to the CAT. If the CAT shield isn't enough of a deterrent; a blaring horn and flashing lights should do the trick.
Unfortunately; as the economy worsens, I have a bad feeling that we're going to find out.

YMMV

 

Converter not shield. I caught my mistake and corrected it right away but I’ve noticed corrections don’t take. A bit glitchy over the past year.

 

I would love a motion sensor. Any suggestions? I’ve been looking at dash cams but I don’t think they make them for what I want it for. I would like a camera for the front and back of car while it’s parked. Problem is I don’t want to be dealing with battery draining issues

 

Most good dashcams will wake up on motion and start recording. If you want 24x7 recording you can get dashcams with their own batteries.

However it's a waste because the perps will wear hats and sometimes mesh netting, their truck will have fake paper plates and they can have the cat in about two minutes.

A woman I know had her gen2 parked next to her son's police car at his house and they got her catalytic converter and were not caught. Even though various cameras recorded them.

 

I believe Toyota sell an accessory the talks to the installed alarm system; but I think it's pretty expensive. Check with your local automotive stereo store for options.
A quick, cheap, janky option is using a double stick tape self-contained motorcycle alarm that uses a 9V battery. It's an extra fob and you'll have to check and replace the 9V battery; but it doesn't draw down your 12V battery. Flashing lights would obvious be better and garner more attention than just a siren - but if your within ear shot; turning on your home parameter light should get them to run.
The drive cams will only capture ~170 degree front & back. They'll be working mostly on the side of your car, near the doors.

 

Exactly. We have cameras in our parking lot but the details were not visible.

Those thieves were probably extra thrilled to take the cat converter next to a police car.

I think a loud noise is the biggest deterrent. Thanks.

 

Thanks. That’s what I figured. I don’t think a dash cam makes sense. I forgot about the motor cycle alarm. I’ll look into it.

 

IMHO; In today's environment; dash cams absolutely makes senses. I've been hit by uninsured motorist twice and they lied each time. I was lucky that witnesses hung around and stepped forward. I had to go after them in small claims court, because insurance company didn't want to deal with it - so much for my exorbitant premiums. The police report said it all; absent that it would've been a case of he said, she said.

 

Does your dash cam have front and rear views? If your cam only has a front view, were you hit in the camera's view?

What camera system do you have? Any recommendations as to what kind(s) to get?

 

I installed a front with rear view 4K cameras with the biggest microSD card it would take. They can be found online for less than $100 and most use the Sony camera chip set. With tariffs, I don't know how high the prices has escalated. Make sure you do your research, because if the license plate isn't clear enough to make out in the video or ability to zoom into it on a frame - it's pretty much useless on a hit & run. The rest of the time, if the person stops - everyone will be able to ascertain the truth of the matter. Even if someone T-bones you, The video will show who had the right of way or if you stopped at the intersection.
If your doing uber or lyft; I'd get a 3-way camera for your own protection. If one of your passengers' make an accusation.

Good Luck.......

FWIW: I had an entitled bicyclist scream at me and said he was going to call the cops, because he thought that the four way stop sign didn't apply to him. He was pissed that I didn't wait for him to run the stop sign, even though I was at the intersection first and he was on my left. I stopped the car an told him to call the cops and I'll wait for them. He pulls out his phone and dials; then I said - did you notice my installed drive cameras - I saved the last minute when you screamed at me. He biked off, cussing up a storm.

 

Thanks.

I don't do uber, so I guess just a front camera perhaps? I will do some research, but what camera system do you have? Do you like it?

 

Nice.

Do keep in mind that the recording exists even if it doesn't help you, and a PO won't always request the data before a search.

 

I meant it doesn’t make sense for the purpose I would be using it for. If I could find a great dash camera that wasn’t beyond my budget and covered both front and back areas without involving taking parts of the car apart, I would want one. I’m afraid to upgrade speakers for the same reason. Concerned that taking panels apart will create new mystery noises that often appeared inside my 2009 dashboard.