How Much Is a Catalytic Converter Worth for Scrap?
Posted: April 25, 2025
Scrap catalytic converters typically range in value from $25 to over $1,000, depending on whether they’re OEM or aftermarket, the amount of precious metals inside, and current market prices.
Converters from hybrid or foreign vehicles—especially OEM units—can be worth significantly more due to higher platinum, palladium, and rhodium concentrations. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors that impact value, show real-world pricing examples, and explain how to get a fast, accurate quote for yours.
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What Determines the Value of a Scrap Catalytic Converter?
Several factors influence how much your scrap catalytic converter is worth:
Type of Converter: OEM vs Aftermarket
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) converters generally contain more precious metals and are worth significantly more than aftermarket versions. If your converter came with your car from the factory, chances are it’s OEM—and that’s good news for your wallet.
Not sure how to tell?
Check out our guide on how to identify OEM vs aftermarket converters →
Precious Metals Inside
Catalytic converters are valuable because they contain trace amounts of:
Vehicle Make & Model
The make, model, and year of your vehicle matter. A foreign or hybrid vehicle converter may contain more precious metals, while one from an older domestic car may have less. For example, a Toyota Prius and specific Mercedes models often fetch higher prices.
Current Market Prices
Like any commodity, the prices of rhodium, palladium, and platinum fluctuate daily. That’s why two converters of the same type may be worth different amounts depending on when you sell.
Examples of Common Converter Values
To give you a general sense of what converters are worth, here are estimated ranges based on common types:
| Metal/Material | Current Price |
|---|---|
| Large Foreign Cat | $67-$442 |
| Regular Domestic Cat | $18 – $124 |
| Torpedo Cat | $110 – $1141 |
| Medium Foreign Cat | $36 – $408 |
| Aftermarket Cat | $5/each |
Why Do Prices Vary So Much?
Even two converters that look the same on the outside can contain different amounts of precious metals. Think of it like jewelry—not all gold chains are solid gold. That’s why ballpark guesses or “average” pricing charts can be misleading. What you need is a quote based on your actual converter.
Why RRCats Gives Transparent, Fair Quotes
At RRCats, we know that scrapping a converter can be confusing—especially with so much misinformation online. That’s why we’ve made our process simple and transparent:
- Just send us a picture of your catalytic converter.
- We’ll examine serial numbers, shield design, and other visual cues.
- You’ll get a fair, no-hassle quote—no pressure, no gimmicks.
Send Us a Picture, Get a Quote Today
Still wondering what your catalytic converter is worth? No guesswork. No waiting. Just fast, honest pricing from a trusted buyer.
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