My '01 Mazda Protege needs a catalytic converter. Yikes!?

If the after market converter has a CAF number it will work. Other wise it may be chancy.

Two things to think about on this. Could one or both O2 sensors be giving readings that making the ECM think they are alright when it is the O2 sensors that are failing (and not the converter)?

The other thing is that what the mechanic is taking off can be sold maybe for 100 dollars (maybe more) to those that reclaim the metal in them. What will he pay you for the one that he is taking off or will he let you have it to sell yourself?

Knowing this may get you a better price for the repair. If he knows that you know the value of the part that is being taken off, there is less chance of being cheated.

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My '01 Mazda Protege needs a catalytic converter. Yikes!?

So that's why the check-engine light was on. My mechanic told me an aftermarket cat would be "a couple hundred less than factory" but sometimes certain cars are too particular for an aftermarket converter and only a factory part will do.

I don't have an estimate yet, but I know it's gonna be...

You need the cat. IT isn't about how it runs or your mileage. Your catalytic converter reduces the amount of pollution your car gives off by converting unburnt hydrocarbons from you car's engine into relatively safe stuff also, in some states it's illegal to not have a catalytic converter. An aftermarket cat will do just fine, here is one for your car from advance auto parts:

http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductDetail.aspx?Mfr...

Find an independent shop in your area to do the change and you should be able to get it done pretty cheaply.

after market should be fine. I think a bad catalytic converter will stop your car from passing smog, which would be illegal. So that's probably why you should get it replaced. Also though, you might want to get a second opinion from another machanic in case this guy is trying to screw you. Unless of course you trust this person/company.

yes an aftermarke should work for it. the purpose of a catalytic converter is not for mpg or running ability it filters out chemical waste from the car which destroys the ozone. im pretty sure you will not be able to pass inspection without one.

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i can't believe a 01 could have a bad cat...how many miles? did you run it on 5 spark plugs or something...?? what code did the ck lite actually say...is it running ok? don't replace it until someone else give 2nd opinion...don't tell them a mechanic said cat...just say lite is on...free scan at most auto parts stores.

yea aftermarket will b ok