Hi
I have a 2012 Hyundai Elantra GSL -1.8 L (limited) with 166000 miles on it. My car inspection failed, my check engine light is on giving a code of P2096. The car shop diagnostic OBD2 states it’s a “CAT-CONVERTER PRE IN SYSTEM WILL NEED THE CAT ASSY REPLACED”. The cost is roughly $1900 plus a possible $225 to replace the downstream O2 oxygen sensor. Would it be best for me to replace and fix the repairs for the CAT- Converter or, buy a used more reliable vehicle? Stuck on what to do, surely don’t have a clue. Thank you for your time, looking forward to your insight.
Best,
If it were a Honda or Toyota, I’d recommend changing it. Because the projected expected lifespan is longer. But since it is a Hyundai, get rid of it. You got good mileage out if it.
This is a common code and it's hilarious how people say get rid of a car that has gone 166000 miles. Nothing wrong with Hyundai kia, they're the second most sold reliable cars today after Toyota
Get rid of it while you still can & don’t buy a Hyundai/Kia next time.
The meaningful lifespan of these OEM’s products are ~100,000 miles on average. Post that, they turn into endless money pits (like you’re rudely finding out).
Thank you, appreciate the advice.
You’re welcome & all the best!
Hey Goldie, hello from California. I'm not sure where you live but around here when cars start to fail emissions inspections they ask around with friends to see about a "Smog Chueqo". It's spanish slang for crooked smog check. For a little under 200 a place will pass a failing vehicle through less than legitimate testing methods. It sounds bad before you think on it awhile. There are some people in my area that have been driving the same car for 20+ years. Meanwhile there are others that have gone through and scrapped 6 or more vehicles in that same amount of time. When a vehicle is scrapped for metal the initial CO2 and emissions costs sank into the manufacturing are mostly gone. Someone driving a 90s honda for 25+ years will leave a much smaller emissions footprint overall to someone going through 6 gas guzzling GM vehicles even though they probably passed emissions tests at the time.
The same cat that costs $1900 in CA costs about $250 everywhere else. "Welcome to the Hotel California."
If the car still runs good I would get a second opinion on the diag I would expect to see a P0420 if it was a bad cat I would lean more towards a O2 sensor or intake or exhaust leak before a converter
There are places where you get your CAT cleaned you may want to try that or you can get a cheap universal aftermarket CAT
Thanks, no one suggested this as an alternative. I’ll definitely look into it as an option.
If you are in CA, then need a ransom approved CAT with CA stamp on it. Used to be able to get aftermarket Cat that worked just fine in CA UNTIL they changed the rules. My CAT was new two years ago. I had to buy a new CAT for my old Jeep though passed Smog check because of the new ca 'approved' stamp on the CAT. It's known as ransom by the auto guys since its basically same CAT sold in the other states. I was forced to replace it. The funny thing is, with the new CAT, it actually was dirtier but still passed.
Sell it and get away from Hyundai/Kia.
