[Uberinghonda]

My catalytic converter was just stolen, so I'm thinking of getting a cheap one on eBay for around $100. However, I have a TLC inspection coming up in the next few months. I was wondering if anyone here has had a catalytic converter replaced with an aftermarket one and passed the TLC inspection.

It depends . If your car requires a converter with California emissions then get that one. Whatever you put on your car as long as your car accepts it and doesn't show up a code then you will pass.

One time I had a mechanic replace an oxygen sensor that I thought was not working. I purchased a non-California emissions one and a code went on. The dealership replaced it for me for around $250.00. It turns out that there was nothing wrong with the original oxygen sensor and it was the throttle body that was dirty. I had 2 oxygen sensors replaced for nothing, what a waste of money and time.

 

[Uberinghonda]

Do you mean that as long as no error codes appear on the dashboard, it's okay to use non-California emissions? I checked online, and emissions compliant with California and NY standards cost as much as OEM parts. By the way, I have a 2015 Prius.

It depends if the vehicle can detect if the converter has California/New York emissions. It will usually detect it after a hundred or so miles. It may or may not detect anything wrong. I guess as long as the check engine light is off you are fine.

 

[Uberinghonda]

FYI, I just passed the TLC inspection today with an aftermarket converter, and there were no issues.

Well good luck in the engine light not going off. I may change my catalytic converters if I keep getting the check engine light on but will not take a chance with the illegal cheaper ones and will buy the legal California CARB ones which are expensive. I purchased them from Autozone in 2019 for 800-900 bucks for the front and rear converters. Now autozone is selling both for around $2,600 while on eBay both parts together cost around 1500. Rockauto.com sells them too and the cheapest brand is around 1200 for both legal CARB parts.

The ones on ebay could be free shipping while Rockauto.com charges shipping so the difference between buying from the two companies may not be much. The prices for these converters are before taxes ofcourse.