If your vehicle needs a catalytic converter replacement, brace yourself, the price tag can be shockingly high.
Here’s what recent data from across Australia and beyond reveal –
How Much Does A Replacement Catalytic Converter Cost in Australia?
- According to mycar, replacement costs start at around AU$500 and can climb to AU$2,000–$3,000, with the average hovering around AU$1,000.
- AutoGuru, a platform that connects you with mechanics nationwide, lists a similar price range of AU$500–$3,000.
- Lube Mobile puts the cost at approximately AU$1,500, with some cases reaching up to AU$3,000, and notes that the job typically takes around two hours.
- A1 Auto Recycling highlights that parts alone can range from AU$900–$2,000, not including labour.
Breakdown Of Catalytic Converter Costs
| Service Part | Estimated Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Part only (basic) | AUD$900-$2,000 |
| Part & Labour | AUD$1,000-AU$3,000+ |
| Labour (per hour) | AUD$60-$120 |
When you factor in both parts and labour, it’s clear that replacing a catalytic converter often costs at least AU$1,000, with mid-range and specialty vehicles pushing that cost even higher.
Why the Sticker Shock?
The catalytic converter contains precious metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, metal prices that fluctuate and contribute significantly to the part’s expense.
Plus, labour-intensive removal, welding, and diagnostics inflate the final cost.
Repair Vs Replacement
While replacement might be justifiable for newer, high-value cars, the costs quickly outweigh the benefits for older or low-value vehicles. When your vehicle’s market value doesn’t comfortably exceed the cost of repair, repair starts to look like a losing bet.
Why Scrapping with Metro Car Removal Could Be Your Best Bet
At Metro Car Removal, we specialise in helping owners turn their unwanted vehicles into quick cash—often offering a much better deal than sinking money into an expensive catalytic converter replacement.
Benefits at a Glance:
Eco-friendly disposal – we ensure your vehicle is recycled responsibly, components are repurposed properly, and harmful materials are safely managed.
No upfront repair costs – you skip the AU$1,000+ bill entirely.
Immediate value – scrap value can provide fast cash, often more than the net worth of the car post-repair.
Hassle-free service – we arrange pickup, paperwork, and payment on the spot.
Metro Car Removal
If you’re needing a new catalytic converter and your car isn’t worth a new one then consider selling your cash for cash!
- Free Towing
No need for registration, roadworthy certificates, or running condition, we tow for free from anywhere in Sydney. - Instant Cash Offer
We evaluate your vehicle’s make, model, and condition and present a top‑dollar quote on the spot. - Hassle‑Free Paperwork
We handle ownership transfer and paperwork, so you don’t have to.
How Metro Car Removal Works
- Call Metro Car Removal on 0422 600 833 for an immediate quote.
- Schedule a convenient pickup time, often same‑day service is available.
- Receive payment on the spot; we handle the rest, including environmentally responsible dismantling and recycling.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a catalytic converter and why is it so expensive to replace?
A catalytic converter is part of your car’s exhaust system that reduces harmful emissions. It contains rare metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium, these metals are expensive, which makes the replacement cost so high.
2. How much does a catalytic converter replacement cost in Australia?
In Australia, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to over $3,000, depending on the make, model, and whether you choose an OEM or aftermarket part. Labour costs add extra to the bill.
3. Is it worth replacing the catalytic converter in an older car?
Usually not. If your vehicle is older and worth less than the cost of replacement, it rarely makes financial sense. In many cases, scrapping the car with Metro Car Removal is the better option, you’ll get cash on the spot without paying repair costs.
4. Can I drive without a catalytic converter?
Technically you can, but it’s illegal in Australia and can result in fines. Your car will also fail its emissions test, and you may notice more noise and a fuel smell.
5. Does Metro Car Removal buy cars with damaged catalytic converters?
Yes. We buy vehicles in any condition, running or not, with or without a working catalytic converter. Even damaged parts can still have scrap value.
6. Will you pick up my car if it’s not running?
Absolutely. Metro Car Removal offers free towing and pick-up anywhere in Sydney and surrounding areas, so you don’t need to worry about transport.
7. How much cash can I get for a car with a bad catalytic converter?
It depends on the make, model, age, and condition of your vehicle, but we always factor in the scrap metal and parts value to give you the best possible price.
8. How quickly can Metro Car Removal take my car?
In many cases, we offer same-day pick-up and payment, so you can turn your unwanted car into cash in just a few hours.