2002 honda CRV Catalytic Converter

I live in NY and own a 2002 Honda CRV with 190,000 miles on it. I take care of the car and the reason I bought a Honda is because I drive for a living ( i am a road salesman) and I knew I would be putting heavy mileage on the car. A few months ago I tried to pass inspection at a couple of places and could not pass. So I took it to the dealer. They said I need a catalytic converter. So any way the charged $1100 and just changed the brakes and a tune up and did not even touch the C.V. They said that the CV job needed to be done for it to pass inspection but they couldnt guarantee that if I change it, would still pass inspection. They said it was illegal to drive w/o and inspection but it would not damage the motor. The estimate they gave me was $1500 just for the part and that the labor would be at least anothe $2500-- Needless to say --I havent got the thing fixed yet. Now the car is due for a registration in a month and I have to do something. I have seen CV's on ebay for $40 dollars is the dealer right? Do I have to pay this amount? What should I do? What are my options?

Optional Information:
2002 Honda CRV 4cyl

Already Tried:
Dealership and local mecahnices not passing :) :)