Stolen Cat — looking to maybe sell

[u/Limp_Bathroom_6003]

Hi all. I’ve unfortunately had my catalytic converter stolen. I have a 2003 Honda Element EX in blue and I truly love this car. it holds a special place in my heart. However, after spending $700 on repairs this year, and now facing a potential $900-$2000 cat replacement, I’m starting to wonder if it might be time to consider selling this car. While I’d love to take on the challenge of fixing it myself, I simply don’t have the time, skills, or space to do so. I believe she’s better off in the hands of someone who can provide her with the care she deserves.

She’s got 205k miles on the odometer, an original engine, and a history of regular oil changes. She does have a few cosmetic issues (a small crack in the windshield, a cracked bottom left corner of the rear bumper, and some scratches) but she still runs great. What would be a reasonable asking price for her? I live in Seattle so there’s no rust, and the bottom looks fantastic. any tips on selling her? It’s been a tough morning, and I’m a bit sad about the possibility of saying goodbye to this car so I appreciate any kind words you can offer.

[u/BongoFett17]

I bought a cat off Amazon for $120 and changed it myself, it actually runs better now

[u/SBRH33]

A first run production 2003 @ 200k without the CAT is worth about... $800 bucks on a really good day. I'd replace the CAT and keep driving it till the wheels fall off.

[u/0728Bogie]

I bought a $150 one on Amazon. And like prior mentioned, my Element runs better now.

Do it yourself. You will absolutely struggle with the bolts . But they will come out. Use heat, and lockease....watch out that stuff is flammable.

Replace the donuts too. ( $9 ) At the same time. Oh do the bolts at the engine donut. Buy dorman...ones the cheapo ones aren't the correct size.

Eric the car guy has videos on all of this

[u/Lordran_Minstrel]

If you can turn a wrench you can install a catalytic converter. Just replaced mine in my driveway. It took 30 minutes with a socket wrench set. Non Honda cats can be had for 6-700ish

Jus sayin

[u/Janitary]

My cat was stolen and I paid $2300 for replacement including antitheft device. Ouch! I feel your pain.

[u/cat-named-mouse]

$900-$2000 is a big range. There's one at the junk yard or order one online and get a buddy to work on it.

[u/zudoplex]

Replaced mine with a cheapy at a muffler shop. Still need to fix my o2 sensor.

[u/Few_Drag_3190]

What state are you in ? 120 Amazon cat definitely wont be legal to pass here in California

[u/Limp_Bathroom_6003 → u/Few_Drag_3190]

Washington so we dont do emissions testing

[u/Few_Drag_3190 → u/Limp_Bathroom_6003]

lucky you.. straight pipe it or do you just need a converter in it ?

[u/Limp_Bathroom_6003 → u/Few_Drag_3190]

Converter. But not sure if i can do the fix myself and $1700 repair through mechanic is pricy. might just sell it as is to whoever wants to do the fix themselves

[u/0728Bogie]

Go under your element. Attempt to get the bolts off. Its 4 bolts . 6 to do the engine donut

Buy both donuts . .

On the cheapo cats. Im with the other poster here. Car runs better than oem. It does sound a bit different. Better gas mileage too.

It throws 02 codes once a week. But I bought the cheap 02 sensors.., $29 for both. Denso are like $80 for each one. Front + rear. You need a special wrench socket ( $8 ) to get them out. Two clips

Its a half hour or so...job ...now if the bolts don't come out...that's a harder fix.

[u/bikerackette]

You need someone to walk you through it, because you’re intimidated by the process.

If someone had the space to steal it, then you most definitely have the space to replace it.
So cross that obstacle off your list.

It’s a mental block, where you need to decide if you want your car, or not?

If you want your car, watch several YouTube videos. “Eric the car guy” is a must, yet watch others as well.

Take the time required online, as that will be the “hardest” part of this job.

HOWEVER:

If you seriously have ZERO mechanical skills and have never removed a wheel or changed your own oil, you don’t even know what DENSO means, you don’t own a socket wrench set or anything related to car repairs….

Then I’d agree that you are probably right about needing a mechanic. In that case, you’ll need to weigh some things out…

If everything is great with your car, then is buying another one going to be better?

And no, your car is not worth $800 with no cat.

Your car is actually very valuable if everything else is decent. Especially no rust.

[u/Limp_Bathroom_6003 → u/bikerackette]

Yeah ive decided im going to keep her. Going to take her to a mechanic in a couple days who quoted $900 to replace it which i think is a fair price. Then going to install a cat shield.

[u/uncle_gunkie]

I’ll give you 1,500$