Complete Guide to Catalytic Converter Identification & Valuation: How to Identify and Price CAT Converters for Maximum Scrap Value

Q: What's the difference between OEM and aftermarket catalytic converters?

A: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) converters are factory-installed units containing 10-20 grams of precious metals and worth $100-$800+ depending on type. Aftermarket converters are replacement units containing minimal precious metals (just enough to pass emissions) and worth only $20. Aftermarket units are lighter, have generic markings like "Universal" or brand names like MagnaFlow/Walker, and lack OEM serial numbers.

Q: Why are diesel catalytic converters worth so little?

A: Diesel converters use different emissions technology (DOC or DPF) and contain only 2-3 grams of precious metals (primarily platinum, almost no rhodium) compared to 10-15 grams in gasoline converters. Despite their large, impressive size, they're worth only $13—the lowest category. Always verify fuel type before classifying a converter.

Q: How do I know if my converter is high-grade or low-grade?

A: High-grade converters feel heavy for their size, have dense dark substrates visible through the ports, often come from luxury/performance vehicles, and command prices of $400-$800+. Low-grade converters are lighter, have lighter-colored substrates, come from economy vehicles or older models, and are worth $50-$120. Vehicle origin is the best indicator—a BMW converter is Exotic ($541), while an older GM 4-cylinder is GM Low Grade ($65).

Q: Can I look up a catalytic converter by VIN number?

A: Not directly, but the VIN tells you the vehicle's exact make, model, year, and engine type, which allows accurate identification. Use free VIN decoder websites to get vehicle specifications, then match the vehicle to converter categories. For example, a VIN showing a 2015 Honda Accord V6 would indicate a Honda O2 Regular or High Grade converter ($300-$420).

Q: Why is my quote lower than ScrapMonster's listed price?

A: ScrapMonster prices represent reference market rates. Your actual quote may vary based on: converter condition (damage reduces value 10-70%), buyer's current inventory needs, your location/transportation costs, precious metals market fluctuations, quantity discounts, and your relationship with the buyer. Small variations (5-10%) are normal; larger discrepancies suggest misidentification or non-competitive buyer.

Q: How much are catalytic converters worth in scrap?

A: Values range from $13 to $832 per unit depending on type:

• Low value: Diesel ($13), Aftermarket ($20), Low Grade ($50-65)
• Mid value: Domestic Regular ($180), Foreign Medium ($272), Domestic Large ($280)
• High value: Honda O2 High Grade ($420), Exotic ($541), Super Exotic ($681), Torpedo High Grade ($832)

Check current pricing as values fluctuate with precious metals markets.

Q: What makes some catalytic converters more valuable than others?

A: Value is determined by precious metal content (platinum, palladium, rhodium). Luxury vehicles use more PGMs for performance/emissions, hybrid vehicles use higher-density catalysts, and newer vehicles meet stricter emissions standards requiring more precious metals. A Toyota Prius converter contains 2-3X more rhodium than a standard sedan, explaining its high theft rate and $272+ value.

Q: Do catalytic converter prices change often?

A: Yes. Prices fluctuate based on precious metals markets. Rhodium, palladium, and platinum prices change daily. ScrapMonster updates converter pricing weekly to reflect current market conditions. Major price swings can occur when geopolitical events disrupt mining (South Africa, Russia) or when automotive production changes dramatically.

Q: How can I get the best price for my catalytic converters?

A: Follow these steps:

1. Accurately identify each converter using this guide
2. Clean and photograph all units with serial numbers visible
3. Sort by category and weigh each lot
4. Get quotes from 3+ buyers through ScrapMonster's buyer directory
5. Time sales when precious metal prices spike (rhodium >$10,000/oz)
6. Negotiate using competing quotes
7. Build long-term relationships with top buyers for preferred pricing

Q: How do I identify a Honda catalytic converter?

A: Honda converters have distinctive serial numbers (format: 12345-XXX-XXX) stamped on the body, are notably heavy for their size, have very dense substrates, and typically fall into Honda O2 Regular ($300) or Honda O2 High Grade ($420) categories. The "O2" refers to oxygen sensor configuration. High-grade units come from Accord V6, Pilot, Odyssey, and Acura models.

Q: What are Toyota Prius catalytic converters worth?

A: Toyota Prius converters typically fall into Foreign Medium category ($272), though some grade as Foreign Large depending on model year. Prius converters contain exceptionally high rhodium content due to hybrid technology requiring extremely efficient emissions control. This high value makes them the #1 target for converter theft nationwide.

Q: Are GM catalytic converters worth anything?

A: Yes. GM converters range from $65 to $244 depending on type:

• GM Low Grade: $65 (older 4-cylinder)
• GM Regular: $120 (standard sedans)
• GM Medium: $192 (mid-size trucks, larger vehicles)
• GM Large: $244 (full-size trucks, SUVs like Silverado, Suburban, Escalade)

Q: What vehicles have the most valuable catalytic converters?

A: The most valuable converters come from:

1. Luxury/exotic vehicles: BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Ferrari → Exotic ($541) or Super Exotic ($681)
2. Honda V6 models: Accord V6, Pilot, Odyssey → Honda O2 High Grade ($420)
3. High-performance trucks: Ford F-250 diesel (despite diesel's low value), Dodge RAM → Torpedo High Grade ($832)
4. Hybrid vehicles: Toyota Prius, Camry Hybrid → Foreign Medium/Large ($272-$333)

Q: Is a rusty catalytic converter still worth money?

A: Yes. External rust on the steel housing doesn't significantly affect value—the precious metals are inside the ceramic substrate. Clean the rust to reveal serial numbers for identification. However, if rust has penetrated to the substrate (cracked housing, water damage), value may be reduced 10-30%. The substrate itself rarely rusts as it's ceramic coated with platinum-group metals.

Q: What if my catalytic converter is cut or damaged?

A: Cut or torch-damaged housings typically reduce value 10-20% due to additional processing difficulty for buyers. However, if the substrate inside remains intact, the converter retains most of its value. Melted, cracked, or missing substrate reduces value 30-70% or more. Always disclose damage when getting quotes. Note: cleanly cut converters raise theft concerns—maintain documentation proving legitimate ownership.

Q: Can I sell a catalytic converter that's been hollowed out?

A: No. If the substrate (honeycomb interior) has been removed, the converter has essentially zero scrap value—only the steel housing weight (~$0.10/lb as scrap steel). The precious metals are in the substrate coating, not the housing. Some sellers mistakenly remove substrates thinking they can sell separately, but this dramatically reduces total value and creates processing challenges.

Q: Do I need ID to sell a catalytic converter?

A: Yes, in most jurisdictions. Due to the theft epidemic, most states now require photo ID (driver's license), and many require additional documentation: business license for commercial sellers, vehicle VIN, bill of sale, and seller signature. Requirements vary by state and even by municipality. Legitimate scrap buyers will always request ID—buyers who don't may be operating illegally or purchasing stolen goods.

Q: Is it illegal to sell catalytic converters?

A: No, selling converters legally obtained is completely legal. However, selling stolen converters is illegal, and buying stolen converters (even unknowingly) can result in criminal liability. Maintain documentation proving legitimate acquisition: repair orders, vehicle titles, bills of sale, business licenses. Many states have specific converter-selling regulations—consult local laws or work with verified ScrapMonster buyers who understand compliance requirements.

Q: How can I tell if a catalytic converter is stolen?

A: Red flags include: serial numbers ground off or obliterated, fresh torch marks (stolen converters are cut from vehicles), seller cannot provide vehicle documentation or proof of ownership, suspicious quantities from non-commercial sources, seller pressures immediate cash sale with no paperwork. If you suspect theft, decline the purchase and report to local law enforcement. Never purchase converters without proper documentation.

Q: What documentation should I keep when selling converters?

A: Maintain records for minimum 5 years:

• Photos of all converters with serial numbers visible
• Weight measurements and condition notes
• Seller information (if you acquired from others)
• Vehicle VIN when available
• Bills of sale with signatures and dates
• Payment records (checks, wire transfers, not just cash)
• Buyer information and business license numbers
• Any correspondence or quotes

This documentation protects you legally and helps resolve pricing disputes.

Q: What are catalytic converters made of?

A: The outer shell is stainless steel or aluminized steel. The substrate (honeycomb) is ceramic (cordierite) or metallic (stainless steel mesh). The valuable component is the microscopic coating of precious metals: platinum, palladium, and rhodium. A typical converter contains 3-7g platinum, 2-7g palladium, and 1-2g rhodium—worth $800-$1,500 at current spot prices, though scrap buyers pay 25-35% of spot value after processing costs.

Q: Can catalytic converters be recycled?

A: Yes, 100% of the precious metals can be recovered through industrial recycling. Converters are de-canned (substrate removed from housing), ground to powder, sampled, then refined using chemical or smelting processes to separate platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Recovery rates exceed 95%. Recycled PGMs are chemically identical to newly mined metals and are reused in new catalytic converters, creating a closed-loop system. Check automotive scrap prices for related recyclable components.