The convertors cost about 600-800 plus labor to replace they got 30 from our store. They did not even so much as disturb the dust on the vehicles they took the four bolts that hold them in, and removed them and let the gaskets and the nuts fall to the ground thats how we found them. It is very unfortunate, and very inconvienient, however they did not damage the cars at all (very suprised) the thing is how do you move that many convertors and not get caught. Well we shall see, I believe that our PD will catch these boneheads. More importantly, for all of you that leave your cars in not so good places, this is a sighn of things to come. Be aware, be careful, we have insurance of course that cover this, you may not and it can be very expensive. So if I can offer anyone any advise, lock your cars, get alarm systems with shock sensors (they did not touch any car that had one) leave your garage lights on. Don't leave your car in a place thats easy to take things off of. It took less than five minutes per car to get these. Its a troubled world we live in and people are preying on our mistakes. Cover your butt, it could save you alot of money down the road. Just wanted to clear up some of the untruths being said. Thanks

new cars with stainless steel exhaust? I havent seen one yet come off the line with stainless exhaust...

Yeay for crackheads!!! This has been a trait among crack addicts for years, and were just now hearing about it ? DUH

I am sure when they took the converters, they were not nice about it. I am sure they damaged several mating parts and areas, which could be the reason for the high price. Also, if the vehicle is new, you will have to put OEM pcs back on it, and that will drive the price up vs. using some aftermarket parts on your used vehicle.

hannah: Do you honestly believe that people who make their living stealing things are reading the Gazette? Highly unlikely. I doubt this article is going to turn any of us into thieves. The media is not responsible for things like this. Your reasoning falls a bit short.

Platinum...catalytic converters use a small amount of platinum to convert harmful engine emissions, including nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, into less harmful ones,like nitrogen and carbon dioxide. The cost of Platinum is over $2000 an ounce...so you can see why that little black box has become more interesting to some folks.

acejd93
We're looking at a revolution. Catalytic converters will look like a "marshmellow" compared to what's coming. People are in desperation and we're just getting started. Desperate times call for desperate measures. People with no hope and no sense of personal accountability and right or wrong will make life hard for the people who do their part to live a good clean life. It's good vs evil now.
The ripple effect from Corporate American Greed is in plain sight now. Dark ages.

I've replaced engines for less than $2000, that was my point. The gas cap is probably $500.

Stealing converters, siphoning gas, puncturing tanks to get gas. Times may be hard but what will people resort to when insurance premiums go up because of all of this?

I have a 1994 model car, and I recently (less than six months ago) had my catalytic converter replaced along with a new O2 sensor. The catalytic converter cost me $60.00 and the O2 sensor was $45.00, totaling to $105.00 for the parts. The labor to have the cat and O2 sensor installed was $129.95 and $145.15 respectively (total of $275.10). All in all that brings the price to $380.10. I drive a hatchback though, with a relatively small engine... I don't know a ton about cars, but I'm guessing the bigger the vehicle and engine, the more expensive the cat might be.

The $2000 cost not only includes the replacement of the cat converter and labor, but other necessary parts as well including, in some cases, 2 oxygen sensors that are connected to the cat. Wires are snipped and that wiring needs to be repaired/replaced as well which can be time consuming.

I'm sure the $2000 price includes all parts and labor to replace the car back to original spec. New autos come with stainless steel exhausts that are one or two piece systems that was easy to install when the vehicle was being assembled but not easy now.

I'm sure the thieves are not taking their time stealing the converters either. Who knows how much damage they are causing.

how can a converter cost up to $2000 ? I don't want that car