My catalytic converter is bad on my 99 suzuki grand vitara (141,000 mi). Why is the price so drastically different with the factory cat ($1000) and aftermarket “OEM” cats ($200)? My trusted mechanic related a story of replacing a cat with an aftermarket one from a local parts store saving $400 off the factory one, then barely passing emissions, and check engine lights coming on a month later with bad cat codes. He feels that you need the factory cat for most cars these days to avoid any emissions troubles in the near future. I don’t foresee keeping this car around forever but I do have emissions coming up in 6 months, and it would be nice to get another year or two out of it. Should I drop the $1000?
Jun 22, 2007 at 10:43 AM
