Had my catalytic converter stolen from my 2005 Prius.

I am sorry, that’s awful.

 

Sorry for your monetary loss at this time of year. Several of us have donated to the Houston food bank for people in need. Even you are welcome to the many benefits it provides to people in need.

 

Too bad the government makes you have those things. Pay a Hispanic 80 bucks to get an inspection and a new fake hollow converter.

 

Since it's something stolen from your car could your auto insurance help? If it happened at home perhaps even homeowners insurance could help.

 

Yeah, there was a rash of these crimes in SF a few years ago. I think they don't even resale the c.c. itself but just make $ off the metals.
I think a lot of them even have platinum or palladium in them. And it's a super quick operation most times to drop it out.

@glynch, I think you should just enjoy driving it around with the motor volume to 10. Paint some flames on that b**** and live it up! Bonus points when it goes on and off the battery and makes other drivers spill their coffee.

 

Sorry to hear this, but Please don't tell me you paid $3200... I know why there's a spike for your car's catalytic converter but it's not worth $3200 to get one even w/ labor (even w/ the o2 sensors). Unless you live in California and don't have easy access there's a lot of ways to get around this to get the price more reasonable. Hell the thieves aren't even making close to the amount you've been quoted.


Also, I haven't researched this and would probably rig something but there's a company that makes a security plate to deter thieves (depending on area/noise/time these guys steal these fast but might make them move to another car):

https://www.torquenews.com/8113/stop-catalytic-converter-theft-toyota-prius-new-protective-sheild

If you have any questions let me know, but If you have access to basic tools I don't see this being that bad of an install. And, if you have more than liability insurance on the car or other insurance it's worth checking if it's covered (already mentioned but you should definitely check)

Let me put it this way... Even at $1600 they're still ripping you off

 

Right, OEM catalytic converters typically all have expensive metals (regardless of make/model) and the Prius retains them a lot better so even older cars are targeted.

 

Palladium prices are no joke the last few years

 

Why Hispanic? Out with it

 

This has been happening in the neighborhoods surround us in Austin the past month. The only vehicle I have seen mentioned hit was Prius. Not sure how the hell you get under one of those without flipping it over or a jack.

 

Sorry for that man but thats not right. I would definitely look info a catshield

 

Definitely agree on not wanting to put $3200 in, I guess what I meant is doing it yourself/non-dealer I bet you could get closer to $450/1k - this route though would take time to source the parts etc..


Your friend is right though, and I think w/ how things are going it'll probably be back to a more common crime - especially now that more thieves are looking for cars like yours to get the most value. On a side note, Over the years working on cars I've never had consistent luck recycling converters ... Like if I took the time to maybe cut/punch them... But these metal/recycle shops have really upped the effort/lowered the price even though the metal has increased in price, so the thieves probably have better access to moving them quickly. Like one shop I went to around Austin recently was trying to give me like $10-15 per... When they used to give like $75-200+ I just think it's interesting when you legitimately have legal catalytic converters and the thieves still have the easiest access to selling them.

Anyway, if you do get a new Prius, you should still look at the metal plate/something similar to at least deter them. Some of these guys are so fast though that I'm honestly not sure if this would really guarantee much but it might still be worth a try. Then again with the new car you will probably have higher insurance that'll cover this and can always add the plate later.

I walked away before posting and saw your update, yeah these thieves don't mess around and will use what they need to be fast

 

Right, comprehensive should.

 

I keep reading about this happening in Galveston

 

Yeah this is happening like crazy in the greater Houston area. They took the same part of two of my business vehicles last week