How much for a new catalytic converter?

Question

My teen son wants to buy a used car from a private owner, who says the car needs a new cat converter. How do I know that this is the problem, or the ONLY problem? Would the car be driveable? We live about an hour away from the seller. The car is a 94 Sunbird.

Answer 1

You should be able to p/u one from an auto parts store from around $80-$120.  Remember this is for the part only and not installation...call someone like midas to get an installed quote.

Answer 2

At least the seller is telling you that,otherwise the car would run perfectly normal.Until you get its emissions inspected by the State law required.Can not buy the Cat used either (Federal Law).But you can get by with aftermarkets.OEM will give you a shock.Either will set you back a few hundred bucks.

Answer 3

252 for a Direct Fit or less for a Universal Fit  

Answer 4

DON'T BUY IT,it could go a lot deeper then the converter.I say NO.1hr away,oh h**l no,shoot find something more local.