Each time, the tools were taken from a recent Mitsubishi Outlander. Because the catalytic converter on hybrid cars is made up primarily of older metals like platinum, rhodium, and palladium, thieves are prone to focus on them. Authorities believe that because the Mitsubishi Outlander has a higher ground clearance and easier access to the catalytic converter, it was chosen by thieves.
In This Article...
Which automobiles are most susceptible to having their catalytic converters stolen?
According to a new list from CARFAX, the type of vehicle you drive may raise your risk of becoming a victim of theft.
According to the business that analyzes car history, these are the ten models that catalytic converter thieves in the U.S. target the most.
- Ford F-Series pickup trucks from 1985 to 2021
- Honda Accord 19892020
- Jeep Patriot, 20072017
- Ford Econoline vans from 1990 to 22
- Chevrolet Silverado pickup trucks from 1999 to 2021
- Chevrolet Equinox 2005present
- Honda CR-V, 1997-2020
- Toyota Camry, 19872019
- Chrysler 200, 201117
- 2001present Toyota Prius
Models who are simple to crawl beneath undoubtedly make up a large portion of the list. According to CARFAX, hybrid vehicles use more precious metals in their catalytic converters, which increases their value. Vehicles like the Prius are on the list because of this.
Why do thieves target Mitsubishi Outlanders to steal catalytic converters?
Why Catalytic Converters from Mitsubishi Outlanders Are a Target. The majority of precious metals are used in hybrid cars like the Mitsubishi Outlander’s catalytic converters. And to top it all off, your Outlander has more clearance than many other cars, which makes it even simpler to get underneath.
How much is a catalytic converter for a Mitsubishi Outlander worth?
Between $1,513 and $1,545, on average, it costs to replace the catalytic converter on a Mitsubishi Outlander. Between $89 and $113 is the expected cost of labor, while between $1,424 and $1,432 is the projected cost of parts. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
What causes the constant theft of catalytic converters?
Catalytic converters are frequently stolen because scrap metal dealers value them highly. They are made of precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium. Depending on the size of the converter and the current price of the metals inside it, these metals can be sold to scrap yards for $150 to $200 each piece.
Catalytic converters are mandatory in all vehicles produced after 1974. Thieves are more drawn to some than others. For instance, SUVs are simpler to scurry beneath, which makes them simpler to attack. The likelihood of theft increases when your automobile is parked higher up.
In 2016, theft of catalytic converters actually peaked in Chicago. Between 2008 and 2016, Chicago saw 980 converter thefts, 15% more than Sacramento, California, which came in second place with 850 thefts.
Symptoms of Catalytic Converter Theft
Theft is not a difficult crime to conduct if you are a thief. Using a saw or a wrench, a catalytic converter can normally be removed in a matter of minutes. The most popular technique is to cut through the pipe on both sides of the converter before removing it. And once you start the engine, it will be clear that it was stolen even if you might not be able to tell from the way your car looks.
Your car will produce a loud roaring noise after the catalytic converter has been taken out; the sound will increase louder as you apply more gas. The exhaust is malfunctioning, which also affects how the car drives. As you alter your speed, a sputtering sound will be audible.
A catalytic converter is a cylindrical canister that joins two pieces of exhaust piping in a typical car. Your catalytic converter has been stolen if you peek underneath and notice a big hole in the center of your exhaust.
How To Prevent Your Catalytic Converter From Being Stolen
Fortunately, you can take preventive measures to lessen the probability that your catalytic converter will be stolen:
- When possible, park near building entrances and in well-lit locations.
- **NEW** Wrap your catalytic converter with a Cat Clamp harness.
- To make the catalytic converter more difficult to steal, have a mechanic solder it to the car’s frame.
- Keep all garage doors closed and locked while parking your automobile inside of them.
- Set the alarm in your car to sound when it senses vibration.
- Your vehicle’s VIN should be inscribed on the catalytic converter.
- It might be reported stolen to a scrap dealer, which makes it simpler to locate the owner.
How can I prevent the theft of my car’s catalytic converter?
Three measures to prevent the theft of catalytic converters
- 1) Write the number from your license plate onto the catalytic converter. Law enforcement can identify the part because of this.
- 2) Park in locations that are well-lit.
- 3) Set up a theft prevention system.
Which automobiles are the most vulnerable to catalytic converter theft?
There are many producers whose catalytic converters are typically less expensive and less likely to be stolen.
How much does a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport’s catalytic converter replacement cost?
Estimated cost to replace the catalytic converter in a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport. A new catalytic converter for a Mitsubishi Outlander Sport will typically cost between $1,672 and $1,711. The expected labor cost is between $150 and $189, and the projected cost of the parts is $1,523.
How quickly can a catalytic converter be stolen?
Your catalytic converter can be taken in only a few minutes by thieves. Recent reports from specialists said that the catalytic converter’s high value is to blame for the rise in these thefts.
Which vehicles have catalytic converters that are worth the most as scrap?
The Ferrari F430 reportedly had the most costly catalytic converter, with a whopping $3,770.00 price tag, according to data from 2020. In addition, the F430 required two of these, costing $7,540 before labor for a complete replacement.
Despite the fact that the converter for the Lamborghini Aventador is officially the third most expensive, at $3,120, we’re ranking it second since, like the F430, it needs two converters. The total cost of replacement now stands at $6,240. If you can buy a Ferrari or a Lamborghini, you can probably afford a catalytic converter at any price, it practically goes without saying.
Although it is not as unique as a Lamborghini or a Ferrari, the car with the second (or third) most expensive catalytic converter has a highly well-regarded vehicle line. The Ram 2500, which costs $3,460 for a catalytic converter, has that distinction.
The Ford F-250, which is the fourth most costly car, will cost drivers $2,804, which is a big discount from the top three. The Ford Mustang rounds out the top five with a comparatively low price tag of $1,500. Depending on the type and model of the car, the average catalytic converter costs between $800 and $1,200. In general, the converter costs more the bigger the engine.
Remember that only the cost of the converter unit is included in these costs. If you have a damaged converter, additional exhaust components and labor costs may increase the overall cost of repair.