I have 2011 Honda Odyssey with 173500k. It’s been a solid and reliable van for our family. It doesn’t smoke or burn oil. Check engine light came on last night with code P0420 and said catalytic converter system efficiency below threshold bank 1. Our trusted independent Honda mechanic who we’ve been using for over six years said we could try running premium gas through it to see if the light stays off but otherwise we’d need a new back cat. The initial estimate is over $3500. What are my options? Is this worth fixing? I was planning on taking this van to 200k miles…plus we just did a nice brake job on it. Thanks in advance for the help.
trusted independent Honda mechanic (...) we could try running premium gas through
Well I lost my "trust" in him after hearing that - premium gas ain't gonna fix a cat.
If you don't live in an emissions state, eh just leave it as is.
The initial estimate is over $3500
He must be kidding.
I replaced the cat on a Corolla I had (with an aftermarket one) and it was about less than $700 total - it passed emissions with perfect results.
A single OEM cat for an Odessy is $817, Aftermarket they're $120-$350 on Rock-auto.
Find a muffler shop and get an assessment there.
we just did a nice brake job on it
I mean pads and calipers are about $150 worth of parts (with cheap Chinese ones, nice ones are more)... it's not that major of an investment...
I was planning on taking this van to 200k miles
You still probably can, if you have been replacing the engine oil and ATF frequently.
Good point thanks. I’m going to see if they can suggest some options. Like, does it have to be a Honda converter or can they use an aftermarket one.
That’s another good point. Thanks. I went to pick up the van and they had a revised quote of $2800 for an oem cat, o2 sensors parts and labor. The oem part is currently backordered. They also said there’s a muffler shop they work with that uses aftermarket parts that would cost less. So if the light comes back on I’ll get their estimate. I agree that the prices quoted sounded really steep to me too, but I think it’s because of the oem parts. Maybe there’s still hope for hitting 200k since I’m on top of oil and transmission service. 5k for oil and 30k for transmission.
I can’t believe how expensive cats are to replace these days.
in many ways, it is worth replacing, because with the prices of new cars, $3500 is like 4 car payments.
With the Odyssey, the projection seems pretty good that it go much longer if you fix the cat. Maybe shop around to see if there is so place cheaper.
im guessing since it is a V6, is why it is so expensive.
