What is your catalytic converter worth?
On most junk cars, the catalytic converter is the single most valuable part. Here's what drives its value - and why selling the whole car usually beats selling the converter alone.
Why converters are worth money
A catalytic converter cleans exhaust using tiny amounts of precious metals - platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Recyclers recover those metals, and because they are expensive, an intact original converter can be worth anywhere from around $50 to several hundred dollars. That is why a missing converter can drop a junk car's offer by a lot.
What affects a converter's value
- Engine size. Bigger engines (and V8s with dual converters) generally use converters with more precious-metal loading.
- OEM vs. aftermarket. Factory (original) converters are worth far more than cheaper aftermarket replacements.
- Precious-metal prices. Platinum, palladium, and rhodium prices move constantly, so converter value moves with them.
- Condition. A complete, un-tampered unit is worth more than a damaged or gutted one.
Get a quick estimate
Use our catalytic converter value calculator for a rough scrap-value range by engine size. To see what your whole car is worth with the converter included, use the junk car value calculator.
Sell the car, not just the converter
It is almost always better to sell the whole car with the converter on it. You avoid the safety risk and legal gray areas of removing it yourself, and a fair offer already reflects the converter's value. If your converter has already been removed or stolen, see how that affects your offer on the selling guides.
Frequently asked questions
It contains small amounts of precious metals - platinum, palladium, and rhodium - that recyclers recover. Those metals are expensive, which is why an intact converter is often the single most valuable part on a junk car.
See your whole-car value
The catalytic converter is built into your estimate - see the full number with the math shown.
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