Why are Subaru catalytic converters worth so much?
Subaru catalytic converters are highly valuable on the black market due to the precious metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals are essential for the converter's ability to reduce harmful emissions from a vehicle's exhaust, making Subaru converters a prime target for theft.
The Precious Metals Inside Subaru Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converters are designed to convert toxic exhaust gases into less harmful substances before they are released into the environment. The key components that enable this process are the precious metals coated on the converter's internal honeycomb structure. Subaru catalytic converters typically contain higher concentrations of platinum, palladium, and rhodium compared to other vehicle makes. These metals are valuable on the black market, with prices that have skyrocketed in recent years due to supply chain issues and increased demand.
Why Subaru Converters Are Targeted
Subaru vehicles, particularly the Outback, Forester, and Legacy models, are popular targets for catalytic converter theft. Subaru converters are located in an accessible position underneath the vehicle, making them easy to remove. Additionally, Subaru's all-wheel-drive system requires larger catalytic converters to handle the increased exhaust flow, further increasing their value on the black market.
The Impact of Catalytic Converter Theft
The theft of Subaru catalytic converters has become a significant problem, causing financial and logistical headaches for vehicle owners. Replacing a stolen converter can cost thousands of dollars, and the process can take weeks due to supply chain issues. This has led to increased insurance premiums and the need for additional security measures, such as protective cages or sensors, to deter thieves.
Efforts to Combat Catalytic Converter Theft
- Lawmakers have introduced legislation to regulate the sale of used catalytic converters, making it more difficult for thieves to profit from their crimes.
- Law enforcement agencies have increased patrols and targeted sting operations to apprehend catalytic converter theft rings.
- Vehicle manufacturers, including Subaru, are exploring design changes to make catalytic converters less accessible and less valuable to thieves.
While the problem of Subaru catalytic converter theft remains a significant challenge, efforts are underway to address the issue and protect vehicle owners from this costly and disruptive crime.
Are Subaru catalytic converters worth money?
Most Subarus Have Two Catalytic Converters
The first unit will be the main cat, and it will be followed by a pre-cat, both of these units have excellent scrap value, and by finding the serial codes, you could sometimes double the quoted price of your cats.
How much gold is in a catalytic converter?
Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters.
Are Subarus at risk for catalytic converter theft?
However, the fact remains that—despite not being one of the most popular targets for catalytic converter theft overall—your Outback is not immune to theft. And you should take steps to prevent this crime whenever possible. Why are Subaru Outback catalytic converters stolen?
Why can't junkyards sell catalytic converters?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers it a violation of its policies for consumers to install a used converter from a salvage yard or sell it for reuse unless it has been properly tested and labeled.
What car has the most stolen catalytic converters?
The top 5 vehicles targeted nationally for catalytic converter theft are :
- 1985-2021 Ford F-Series.
- 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
- 2007-17 Jeep Patriot.
- 1990-2022 Ford Econoline.
- 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
What car pays the most for catalytic converters?
Prius they jump out of the car this guy's underneath sawing that catalytic converter. It's in the middle of the day. And they don't even care because they're making so much money out of selling.
How much platinum is in a Subaru catalytic converter?
The average catalytic converter has 3 to 7 grams of platinum worth about $100 – $237. Platinum is more valuable than gold, silver, and even palladium and is a good target for thieves. As of 2022, the platinum price is $997 per ounce and $32.18 per gram.
What is the highest paying catalytic converter right now?
Below are some vehicles with the most expensive catalytic converters, from luxury sports cars to massive trucks.
- Ferrari F430 ($3,770)
- Lamborghini Aventador ($3,120)
- Ram 2500 ($3,460)
- Ford F-250 ($2,800)
- Ford Mustang ($1,500)
Why are catalytic converters worth so much at the scrap yard?
Inside the catalytic converter casing are two ceramic blocks of thousands of microcellular channels, which look like a honeycomb. The surfaces of the ceramic blocks are coated with some precious metals such as platinum, palladium and rhodium.
Which car has the most expensive catalytic converter?
Which Catalytic Converters Are The Most Expensive? According to data from 2020, the most expensive catalytic converter belonged to the Ferrari F430, with a mind-popping $3,770.00 price tag. Moreover, the F430 needed two of them, so a full replacement would run car owners $7,540 before labor costs.
