Resale value effect of aftermarket catalytic converter

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Monroe Walker, Nov 1, 2022.

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  1. Monroe Walker

    Monroe Walker New Member

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    I had my catalytic converter stolen in August and the mechanic told me yesterday that the next shipment of Toyota converters is still a month out at least. My registration renewal is due in January and requires a smog check which I would of course not pass without the converter. I contacted the Bureau of Automotive Repair and DMV about my options and what I understand is that (1) Magnaflow makes CA-approved replacement catalytic converters which I could have installed and (2) due to the availability of the Magnaflow CATs, I can't get an exemption from the DMV for the smog check based on the unavailability of the Toyota CATs.

    My concern with having the Magnaflow converters installed is that that will affect the resale value of the car. So what should I do here? I had comprehensive coverage at the time of the theft, so I at least should have the replacement costs covered (after my deductible). Should the comprehensive coverage also cover the loss of value to the car if I'm stuck with the non-manufacturer part?
     
    #1 Monroe Walker, Nov 1, 2022
  2. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

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    Affect the resale value of the car I wouldn't think you're in a gen 3 the Gen 4 is out The Gen 3 is now whatever certainly no one is going to really give a hoot all anybody cares about is that it can get to apparently a California smog check so you get the converter now you get through smog checks one or two or however I don't know how often you do them and then when you're ready to sell the car I don't think the owner's going to go oh well I'm going to knock $1,000 off because you've got an aftermarket cat and yeah a special approved one that cost $1,800 so I'm not sure that his argument holds any water and if somebody wants the car just passing inspection is what's needed not what color the converter is or who it came from.
     
    #2 Tombukt2, Nov 1, 2022
  3. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

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    If the cue from auto insurance companies is correct in their actuaries not minding cat theft in the slightest and no auto insurer is lobbying/raising concerns about lack of enforcement against cat theives, then fact you don't have OEM cat is also going to have zero affect on the appraised value of your car unless of course it's many decades from now and you have a mint condition collector's version.
     
    #3 PriusCamper, Nov 1, 2022
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