This varies by car and the condition of your catalytic converter. Still, on average, scrap catalytic converters are worth between 300 $ to 1500 $ when sold as scrap at your local wrecking service.
In today’s world, catalytic converters are no longer being sold as part of a car. Instead, precious metals included in this component have become a valuable commodity to sell.
Take it from a guy with a scrap car pick-up service in Prince George. Here is what you need to know about catalytic converters.
What are catalytic converters used for?
The catalytic converter is a device that converts harmful exhaust emissions into less toxic substances. It’s usually made of metal and ceramic honeycombs or blocks.
Catalytic converters use platinum, palladium, or rhodium as catalysts to break down the hydrocarbons in gasoline, which produce carbon monoxide (CO) and unburned fuel – aka toxic waste products! The catalytic process also burns off other chemicals like nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SOx), and particulate matter.
How long does it last
When you replace your catalytic converter, it will be worth some money depending on how old it is because catalytic converters have an average lifespan of 200,000 miles. Catalytic converters installed in your car when first manufactured will be more expensive than used ones because they don’t wear out as fast.
Why are cat converter scrap prices high?
You may be wondering how much catalytic converters are worth when you’re planning on selling your scrap car? That depends on the amount of precious metals in them. The quantity of precious metals depends on the volume of exhaust of the car and the temperature it reaches.
On one hand, sports cars and pick up trucks have more exhaust gases than a regular compact car. Therefore, they need a catalytic converter with more precious metals to filter that amount of gas. On the other hand, the exhaust system of hybrid cars take more time to heat. Since the catalytic converters perform best under higher temperatures, they need more metals in them to be efficient at lower temperatures.
We’ll explore this topic and also discuss what the most expensive catalytic converter is!
What catalytic converters are worth the most for scrap?
According to 2021 data, the cars with the most expensive catalytic converters are:
- Ferrari F430 (4,500 $ per catalytic converter)
- Lamborghini Aventador (3,700 $ per catalytic converter)
- Dodge Ram 2500 ($4,100)
- Ford F250 (3,300 $)
- Ford Mustang (1,800 $)
What does this mean for someone who’s planning on selling their car? If you want to know how much catalytic converters are worth when you sell your scrapper, ask a scrap yard and see what they offer you.
Why is there big money in stolen catalytic converters?
Catalytic converters are valuable for their precious metals, such as rhodium, palladium and platinum. These metals increase the scrap’s monetary value, and they are often the reason that junkyards are willing to pay the big bucks for your old car.
When you call a recycling yard to sell your catalytic converter, the price of rhodium and other precious metals will be revealed. This often comes out as a dollar amount per pound or ounce- these prices can vary depending on current market conditions. In general, catalytic converters are worth more than scrap metal because their materials have a higher value.
How much precious metal is in a catalytic converter?
The amount of precious metals in the catalytic converter will drive its retail price. Catalytic converters contain three precious metals: platinum, palladium, and rhodium. In a standard catalytic converter, there are approximately 3-7 grams of platinum.
The amount varies based on the manufacturer and model.
How much are precious metals worth in catalytic converters?
A catalytic converter typically has around 13 ounces of tungsten, making up about 90% of its weight and worth around 40$ on the market. The rest includes some copper, lead and nickel – all with lesser amounts exceeding two pounds each.
Platinum accounts for about 0.03% of catalytic converter weight and is worth around 38 $ per gram. At the same time, rhodium is estimated to be worth as much as 625 $ per gram (2021).
Which Catalytic Converters Have The Most Platinum?
According to 2021 data, the following catalytic converters had the most platinum: Ford F250, Dodge Ram 2500 and Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG Coupe 63. Because of the amount of precious metals in them, they can be worth from 1,000 $ to 3,300 $!
What is the most expensive catalytic converter?
The most expensive catalytic converter in 2020 belonged to a Ferrari F430. This one cost 4,500 $, and the car needs two! Other than on supercars, costly catalytic converters can be found on certain pickup types, like the Dodge Ram or Ford F250.
What is Platinum used for in a catalytic converter?
The catalytic converter has platinum in it because this metal prevents nitrogen oxides from forming during combustion. Platinum is used for catalyzing these emissions, which are the main contributor to acid rain and smog.
How much is a Prius catalytic converter worth?
The Toyota Prius is one of the most popular vehicles for catalytic converter thefts because they contain more rhodium, palladium, and platinum than other vehicles. A new one is worth around 2,000 $.
Since the precious metals inside can be used in various industries and are in high demand, making their theft an attractive proposition to some thieves.
Catalytic converters are worth a lot
The catalytic converter is a crucial part of your car because it cleans the air that you breathe. It also protects your engine from wear and tear, keeping it running for years to come!
I hope this blog post helped you understand catalytic converters more and how much they are worth. I now know why people want them so badly- there’s big money in used (or stolen) catalytic converters!
So don’t be afraid next time someone asks about catalytic converters. You’ll be able to reply with some knowledge on what they do and how their value changes depending on precious metals’ prices.
I hope this article prevented anyone from being scammed from scrap yards when selling catalytic convertors after scrapping their old cars.