Hi Scotty,
I have a 2007 Honda Civic coupe with 197k on it. The car still runs perfectly but recently the engine light came out and the shop diagnosed it as the catalyst converter needs to be replaced. I tried your Youtube suggestion of lacquer thinner in the gas tank with no avail. The dealer wanted 3k for the repair and Carbrain.com only offered me $500 for the car as is.
My car is properly worth $4k thus $3k for the repair is not worthwhile and $500 is way too low to give up on a such reliable car. I found one car part dealer online that has a new replacement for $675 for California:
My question is:
Is it okay to use a third party part for it since California is very strict on emission control? Also if you have any other suggestions, I would be greatly appreciated it.
Thanks,
John
I wouldn't do it. If it isn't the right design for your car you can have all kinds of issues.
I'd probably let the car go if it were me.
Try to see if you can get a new OEM catalytic converter and then install it yourself - you will have to get a new one because it's illegal to buy/sell used ones. You should just be able to bolt the old one off and put the new one on. If the rest of you car is in good shape, it may be worth going this route - it will still be expensive but not $3K expensive. Good luck!
