Are Subaru catalytic converters worth money?
Yes—Subaru catalytic converters can be worth money because they contain precious metals that recyclers buy. The exact payout depends on your model, the converter type, and current metal prices.
Why Subaru converters can hold value
Subaru vehicles often use multiple catalytic converters in the exhaust system to meet emissions standards. Each converter may contain precious metals such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The total metal content, plus how many converters the car has, largely determines how much a recycler will pay. Market prices for these metals fluctuate, so the amount you can earn changes over time.
Metal content and market prices
Most catalytic converters rely on platinum-group metals (PGMs) like palladium and platinum, with rhodium used in some designs. The exact grams of Pt, Pd, and Rh inside a unit vary by model and year. Because metal prices swing with global demand, the value of a Subaru converter can rise or fall accordingly. Higher-content or premium converters typically fetch more than basic units.
Vehicle configuration and converter count
Subaru models may use two or more converters in the exhaust system (for example, a front pre-cat and a rear main cat). More units or units that carry more metal content generally increase the potential payout. The converter layout and accessibility also affect how easily a recycler can process the unit.
Market realities and safety considerations
In practice, the scrap value of a Subaru catalytic converter varies widely by model and region. Prices are influenced by current PGMs markets, and theft of catalytic converters has become more common in some areas, prompting stricter security and transfer requirements. Sell through licensed recyclers or scrap yards and keep documentation to prove ownership and the sale.
Because metal prices change daily, check with local recyclers for an up-to-date quote for your specific Subaru model and converter configuration.
The factors that influence value
Several elements determine how much money you might get for a Subaru catalytic converter. Consider these factors:
- Metal content: grams of palladium, platinum, and rhodium inside each converter
- Number and placement of converters on the vehicle (front, middle, rear)
- Whether the converters are intact or damaged
- Current prices for PGMs (Pt, Pd, Rh) at the time of sale
- Regional demand and the recycler’s pricing method (by weight vs. by metal content)
- Documentation and legality of the sale (ownership proof, transfer requirements)
Understanding these factors helps you estimate potential payout and decide whether to sell or recycle.
How to monetize a Subaru catalytic converter legally and safely
To maximize value while staying compliant and safe, follow these steps:
- Verify ownership and collect the necessary vehicle information (VIN, year, model) and the converter’s location.
- Contact licensed recycling yards or auto parts recyclers for quotes. Provide model details and whether the converter is intact.
- Request quotes based on weight or metal-content estimates and ask for receipts or documentation confirming legal transfer of ownership.
- Arrange delivery or pickup through the recycler. Avoid trying to remove the converter yourself unless you are trained and equipped, to prevent damage or injury and reduce theft risk.
- Obtain payment and keep the transaction records for your records and any regulatory requirements.
Working with legitimate recyclers and keeping proper documentation helps ensure you receive a fair payout while complying with local laws and reducing theft risks.
Bottom line
Subaru catalytic converters do carry monetary value because of the precious metals they contain, but the payout varies based on model, configuration, and current metal prices. If you’re considering selling, contact licensed recyclers for a quote, verify ownership, and document the sale to ensure a safe, lawful transaction.
Summary
Subaru catalytic converters can be financially valuable thanks to precious metals like palladium and platinum embedded in their catalysts. The amount you can earn depends on the converter count, metal content, and current market prices, which fluctuate. For the best outcome, seek quotes from licensed recyclers, provide accurate vehicle information, and maintain proper sale documentation while staying mindful of theft risk and regulatory requirements.
How much is a scrap catalytic converter worth?
Generally, a used catalytic converter can be worth $50 to $250 or more. However, some converters can be much more valuable because of the high concentration of precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
How much is a catalytic converter for Subaru?
The best part is, our Subaru Forester Catalytic Converters start from as little as $170.99. When it comes to your Subaru Forester, you want parts and products from only trusted brands. Here at Advance Auto Parts, we work with only top reliable Catalytic Converters brands so you can shop with complete confidence.
What is the benefit of recycling catalytic converters on a Subaru?
Catalytic converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium, which are scarce and valuable resources. By recycling these converters, we can recover these precious metals, reducing the demand for new mining operations and the associated environmental impacts.
Which cat converters are worth money?
Catalytic converters from hybrid vehicles and trucks are generally worth the most, due to their higher concentration of valuable precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. The value depends on the specific vehicle, as converters from certain models like the Toyota Prius or Ford F-Series are particularly sought after.
Factors that determine a converter's value
- Precious metal content: The primary factor is the amount of platinum, palladium, and rhodium inside, with rhodium being the most valuable per gram.
- Vehicle type:
- Hybrids: Often have the highest value due to higher precious metal content in their catalytic converters, says RRCats.com.
- Trucks and SUVs: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) converters from these vehicles, such as Ford trucks, are also highly valuable.
- Foreign vs. domestic: Converters from foreign vehicles can sometimes be worth more than domestic ones, but this varies by model, according to RRCats.com.
- Market conditions: The price of precious metals fluctuates, which directly impacts the scrap value of a catalytic converter, notes Scrap It, Inc..
- Condition and type: OEM converters are often worth more than aftermarket ones, and a converter's age and condition also play a role in its value.
To get the most value for your converter
- Sell to a specialized buyer: Scrap yards that specialize in catalytic converters can offer higher prices than general scrap yards because they know how to properly assess and process them.
- Get multiple quotes: Prices can vary significantly between buyers, so it's best to get quotes from several different scrap dealers.
- Provide information: Be prepared to provide the make, model, and year of the vehicle the converter came from, or check for serial numbers on the converter itself, which can help buyers determine its value, says BR Metals Pte Ltd.
