How to Sell Catalytic Converters for Scrap Without Getting Ripped Off
"I have 8 catalytic converters from a shop — different vehicles. How do I sell them without getting lowballed? The local yard offered me $50 each flat."
$50 flat for unknown cats is a lowball offer. Catalytic converter prices vary enormously by part number — domestic cats pay $50–$300, foreign cats pay $100–$800, pre-cats pay $200–$1,500. You need to look up each part number individually. The part number is stamped on the converter body or on a tag.
Catalytic converters are the most price-variable item in scrap metal. The same-looking converter can be worth $50 or $1,500 depending on the vehicle it came from and the precious metal content inside. This guide shows you how to identify your converters, look up prices, and get fair value.
Find the Part Number First
Every catalytic converter has a part number stamped on the body or on a metal tag attached to it. This number identifies the exact converter and its precious metal content (platinum, palladium, rhodium). Without the part number, you're guessing — and the buyer will guess low. Look for the number on the heat shield, the converter body, or a wired tag. Common formats: OEM numbers (like 17410-404-85G for Toyota), aftermarket numbers (like 16395 for Walker), or EPA numbers.
Domestic vs. Foreign vs. Pre-Cat
Domestic catalytic converters (from American-made vehicles: Ford, GM, Chrysler) generally pay $50–$300. Foreign catalytic converters (from Japanese, Korean, European vehicles: Toyota, Honda, BMW, Mercedes) generally pay $100–$800. Pre-catalytic converters (small converters positioned directly after the exhaust manifold) pay $200–$1,500 — these have the highest PGM loading. Diesel catalytic converters pay less ($20–$100) because they contain less precious metal.
How Prices Are Calculated
Cat converter prices are based on the platinum, palladium, and rhodium content inside the ceramic honeycomb substrate. These prices change daily with the PGM (platinum group metals) market. A converter with 5g of palladium is worth 5 × current palladium price × recovery rate. ScrapMetalBuyers.com has a database of 3,000+ part numbers with current PGM content and pricing.
Documentation Requirements
Most states require ID and documentation when selling catalytic converters due to theft laws. Have your ID ready. If you're a shop selling converters from customer vehicles, keep your repair orders — some states require proof of legal ownership. ScrapMetalBuyers.com is fully compliant with all state catalytic converter laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are catalytic converters worth?
Prices range from $50 for domestic cats to $1,500+ for pre-cats from luxury vehicles. The part number determines the price. Look up your specific part number at scrapmetalbuyers.com/catalytic-converters/.
How do I find the part number on a catalytic converter?
Look on the converter body, heat shield, or attached metal tag. The number may be stamped, etched, or on a sticker. It's usually 8–15 characters.
Do I need ID to sell catalytic converters?
Yes. Most states require ID and documentation due to catalytic converter theft laws. Have your ID and proof of ownership ready.
Do you buy catalytic converters?
Yes. We buy all types — domestic, foreign, pre-cats, and diesel cats. We have a database of 3,000+ part numbers. Call (754) 310-2984 or look up your part number at our website.