Catalytic converters have economic value as they contain precious metals. This is the main reason why they are sold as the most expensive scrap. Because it contains rhodium, palladium and platinum, which are among the most precious metals.

Why do scrap yards pay so much for catalytic converters?

The reason there is a price difference is because of the precious metals inside. There are many precious metals that clean the air that passes through the catalytic converter and those metals is what makes it worth money.

What vehicles have the most valuable scrap catalytic converters?

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.

What is worth so much in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters contain trace amounts of precious metals, including platinum, palladium and rhodium, which in early March hit nearly $30,000 per ounce. “The problem is that they're just worth so much,” said Paul Dauenhauer, a chemical engineering and materials science professor at the University of Minnesota.

What car has most catalytic converters stolen?

These are the 10 models most targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the U.S., according to the company that tracks vehicle history.

• 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks.
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
• 2007-17 Jeep Patriot.
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline vans.
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks.
• 2005-21 Chevrolet Equinox.

How Much Is A Catalytic Converter Worth? Scrap Recycling Guide

What are the most stolen catalytic converters?

Here are the most stolen catalytic converters.

• Jeep Patriot. The Jeep Patriot is a Jeep that was discontinued in 2017. ...
• Dodge Ram 2500. Next up is the Dodge Ram 2500. ...
• Chevrolet Equinox. ...
• Honda Accord. ...
• Ford F-150. ...
• Toyota Prius. ...
• Ford Econoline. ...
• Chevrolet Silverado.

How much is a stolen catalytic converter worth?

Thieves can make anywhere from $25 to $300 for a standard catalytic converter, and ones from hybrid vehicles can sell for up to $1,400. These parts are also relatively easy to access from under the vehicle.

Why do thieves steal catalytic converters?

Why are people stealing them? Thieves target catalytic converters because of the value of the metals found inside the devices. Catalytic converters are typically made up of three precious metals: platinum, palladium and rhodium. The value of all three metals have risen sharply in price in the last decade.

How much is a catalytic converter worth on the black market?

According to The Pew Charitable Trusts, a global non-profit organization with a focus in public policy, criminals typically sell stolen catalytic converters for $50-$500 to internet buyers or scrapyards.

Where can I get the most money for my catalytic converter?

In short, scrap yards are your best bet for selling your catalytic converter because they will focus on the value of the metals in your cat, not your cat as an auto part.

How much is the platinum in a catalytic converter worth?

A catalytic converter generally contains 0.1 to 0.3 ounces (3 to 7 grams) of platinum. According to Kitco, the bid price of platinum is $977 USD per ounce (April 9, 2022), meaning there is between $110 and $300 dollars worth of platinum in a typical OEM catalytic converter.

Why do people buy catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters are emission-control devices that convert toxic gases and other pollutants in exhaust from an internal combustion engine into less-toxic pollutants. They are prized because they use the precious metals rhodium, palladium and platinum to filter car exhaust.

How much gold is in a catalytic converter?

Catalytic converters contain Platinum, Rhodium and Palladium. However, there is no gold in catalytic converters.

Do Thieves Steal aftermarket catalytic converters?

If your Catalytic Converter has been replaced with an aftermarket Catalytic Converter within the past few years, there is a good chance it won't be stolen. The new aftermarket Catalytic Converters don't have as much of the precious metals, so thieves typically don't take them.

Why are Toyota catalytic converters stolen?

Currently, Prius is being targeted because catalytic converters of hybrids need more of the precious metals to work properly because they don't get as hot as those installed on conventional vehicles, since the combustion engines of hybrids only run part of the time.

Where are all the stolen catalytic converters going?

Thieves target vehicles like Toyotas, Fords and Hyundais getting under the car to cut the catalytic converters, sometimes in less than a minute. The converters are then sold to junkyards and scrap yards for a couple of hundred dollars. For you to replace it though can cost over $2,000.

Does insurance cover a stolen catalytic converter?

Is a stolen catalytic converter covered by insurance? If you have comprehensive coverage on your auto insurance policy, then you're typically covered against catalytic converter theft. Comprehensive coverage will typically pay to replace the stolen catalytic converter and repair any related damage from its removal.

How much do criminals get for a catalytic converter?

Thieves, on average, can earn $200 per catalytic converter — about 1/10th of what it costs to replace a stolen one. And thefts happen quickly, usually taking only a minute or two.

What cars have their catalytic converters stolen?

The top cars targeted by catalytic converter thieves in the West are:

• 2001-21 Toyota Prius.
• 1985-2021 Ford F-Series.
• 1989-2020 Honda Accord.
• 1990-2022 Ford Econoline.
• 1999-2021 Chevrolet Silverado.
• 2007-20 Subaru Outback.
• 2007-17 Jeep Patriot.
• 2003-11 Honda Element.

How much do thieves make on catalytic converters?

Thanks to the increasing prices of the precious metals used in the production — i.e, platinum, rhodium and palladium — an ill-gotten catalytic converter can “typically” fetch between $50 and $250 when sold to an unscrupulous recycling facility, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).

What year cars are targeted for catalytic converter theft?

While it's a no-brainer that we can expect the most popular models of cars and trucks to be prime targets for catalytic converter theft. According to a recent CarFax post, nationwide, 10 popular targets are: 1. 1985-2021 Ford F-Series pickup trucks (F-150, F-250, etc.)

How do thieves remove catalytic converters?

How Do Thieves Take Them? Unfortunately, stealing a catalytic converter is very easy to do. Thieves usually slide underneath a car with a battery-powered reciprocating saw and cut it right out of the exhaust line. It takes about 2 to 3 minutes and makes as much noise as any other power tool.

How do I stop thieves from stealing my catalytic converter?

Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals.
...
Three ways to protect against catalytic converter theft

1. Etch your license plate number onto your catalytic converter. This makes the part identifiable to law enforcement. ...
2. Park in well-lit areas. ...
3. Install an anti-theft device.

Why are Prius catalytic converters worth so much?

Why the Prius above other cars? Hybrids require catalytic converters with a higher concentration of precious metals than those found on gasoline-only cars. The HLDI notes that the converter from a 2007 Prius is selling for about $1,022 today, compared to just $143 for the converter used a Ford F-150 from the same year.