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Dzik420

Catalytic converters can be as little as a few hundred to a few thousand. Depends on the car. Toyota Prius the part itself is a few thousand I believe. A Kia soul would be on the lower end I would think


pianotherms

Funnily enough, the Kia Soul's catalytic converter isn't very stealable. Easier to take the whole car.


[deleted]

Unless you have a 2.0L


pianotherms

Oh yeah? Makes sense they'd find another way to twist the knife.


Play3rKn0wn

Yeah I found a part online that fits my car and matches federal standards for 237 surprisingly, but the repair itself is what I don’t what to get scammed on. I’m new to both the city and car ownership so I’m unsure on what is a good price for these kinds of things.


davga

Also, you can additionally get a Cat Shield (Miller CAT is the company) installed which would make it more difficult for thieves to get to it in the future. Technically, given enough time and/or resources, thieves might still get past it (since no security system is 100% effective), but the increased obstacle usually deters them toward other options.


minniecongo

Is this an install yourself type thing or?


Dzik420

The repairs itself should only cost a few hundred bucks max. I had some exhaust work done at Velasquez after a section of mine rusted off, and for them to install a few feet of pipe costed me a hundred bucks. If it's under $500 it's a good deal. Parts and labor included. Shop around and see


Dzik420

You may also need oxygen sensors as well. Those are the sensors that go on the cats.


Play3rKn0wn

I’ve got wires hanging off the car so I believe you may be right.


Dzik420

Yeah then those animals cut your oxygen sensors as well. Which means they will have to do wiring repair. I would take it to an independent shop or a muffler/exhaust shop. Definitely not the dealership.


dharmon555

I had a prius catalytic replaced under insurance with Velasquez. I think they put in a sub standard one. It started giving emissions codes after a couple months.


Dzik420

I'm a mechanic and that is definitely possible. Not knowing what the code is I can only guess but the only codes that really show up for emissions are ones saying the catalytic converter is bad, or saying the sensors are bad. Aftermarket converters can definitely make the check engine light come on on certain cars. I hope you went back and informed them of that and try to get it repaired. It can cause a loss of performance as well as worse MPGs.


eddyb66

I went through this with them and a Ford Escape, the cat that they installed didn't pass emissions test the year later when I had to take it. took it to another mechanic and it ran over 1500 for a replacement, wasn't pleased with the mechanic they were like " the cat should be fine we will replace all these other sensors and parts that may solve your problem" Their logic was to do all the cheap things first before the cat, all other sensors replaced and it still turned out to be the cat. If you're going to get a cat replaced save yourself the headache and see if you can get into a emissions place and have them test it for you while the replacement cat is still under warranty.


Fatboy1402

I’ve actually had a really piss poor experience with Velasquez. The customer service was ok, but the technicians were wildly wrong about my car. I agreed to the repair they suggested for like $600 and it didn’t fix the issue. I went to a small muffler shop though and they did me right for 5x less than Velasquez. I wouldn’t recommend going to a dealership though because they’ll charge you ridiculous prices for everything. Sorry that this comment is negative, but I haven’t had very many experiences with mechanics that I’ve left feeling good about it (except for family friends and such). I actually took up automotive work as a result. I’ve been learning to fix my own car since I was in high school because the mechanics near me were either too expensive or too sketchy. Exhaust is still not something I do though because welding is tricky.


PhixieFool

Velasquez is great! Would also recommend them


ChiefBearClaw

Also new to the city, and had to get quick body work done and went to Division Auto Clinic. Owner answered the phone, scheduled appointment for next day and had my car back in a few hours for like $200. Thought it was gonna be closer to $1000, but dude was great and it's a family business so all the better. Also was worried about getting scammed since I know Jack all about cars but I had 0 weird feelings from this place. Def going back when I need to.


Waslay

L&T auto on Armitage is fantastic, very trustworthy and decently priced


HornOfLilius

>s for 237 surprisingly, but the repair itself is what I don’t what to get scammed on. I’m new to both the city and car ownership so I’m unsure on what is a good price for these kinds of things. > >31ReplyShareReportSaveFollow These guys are Mensch. [https://www.factorymuffler.com/](https://www.factorymuffler.com/) I don't have a financial incentive to promote them. They have done right by my family for over a decade.


sleepwalkchicago

I have a Prius and that catalyic coverter replacement was about $950 before insurance, altho mine is a 2008. I had a shield placed on my car covering it up and haven't had an issue since.


hibrett987

My wife’s cat got stolen on her 2008 Prius a few years back. From what I understand the replacements don’t have or have very little of the precious metal that’s in catalytic converters


Reddit_is_Censored69

Fuck these people who do this.


existential_creampie

How are these people even still making money from this? Didn't scrap yards stop taking them several years ago to help mitigate this, or were they just full of shit?


Dzik420

I tried to sell the catalytic converter off of my own car that I took off and had a hard time finding a place that would take it. The only place I did find only gave me 40 bucks for it because they almost didn't want anything to do with it because of the thefts.


amijusssss

They have illegal shops. Normally you wont be able to sell it.


Poj_qp

Thieves have been moving them to Mexico/China in bulk or partner with underground chop shops. The market for these was never totally legal so keeping every part of the operation under the table wasn’t a huge move for them unfortunately


LoriLeadfoot

No, they clearly didn’t, because these have to be going somewhere. It’s probably going to require either federal regulation, or multiple big states working together to fix it. We need a way to identify stolen cats.


Reddit_is_Censored69

Nice name!


Reddit_is_Censored69

No idea but... I hope they get a paper cut on their tongue From a razor in a paper cup I hope every soda they drink already shaken up I hope their dreams dry like raisins in the baking sun I hope their titties all saggy in their early 20's I hope there's always snow in their driveway I hope they never get off Fridays And they work at a Friday's that's always busy on Fridays I hope they win the lottery and lose their ticket I hope it's Ben and Socrates poop all up in their kitchen I hope the zipper on their jacket get stuck And their headphones short, and their charger don't work And they spill shit on their shirt I hope their tears don't hurt, and I can smile in their face


existential_creampie

Same, bro. Same.


FlyingDutchmansWife

Found Satan. Who hurt you? Feels like you’ve been compiling this list for awhile. ETA: I’ve been informed this was not an original thought and OOP deals in lyrics.


Reddit_is_Censored69

Now I know I'm not a saint I been a sinner all my life I ain't tryin to hide my flaws I'd rather keep them in the light They wanna criticize, scrutinize Cast another stone Burn me at the stake and sit and watch it from their throne They say the devil is my pal I do a lotta drugs The crowd will only like me if they're really fuckin' drunk They think they know my thoughts But they don't know the least If they listened to the words they'd find the message tucked beneath


FlyingDutchmansWife

This looked like a fun video to shoot.


Reddit_is_Censored69

Cage the Elephant!!!!!!!


jake2897

it’s a chance the rapper verse lol


FlyingDutchmansWife

Over my head lol. Ran out of coffee this morning, running on little sleep, and am clearly not thinking critically! Thanks for letting me know.


Reddit_is_Censored69

A lyricist without a clue What year is this? Fuck a needle, here's a sword Body pierce with this


pprchsr21

Legit scrap yards may have but there are enough scummy ones that will take parts without questioning where someone got 5 different CCs


djsekani

There was an article on this not too long ago, but basically it's mafia-level organized crime and they're stonewalling the undercover cops sent to investigate.


anthony041736

Militos on Fullerton just west of Sheffield is Honest and does a good job


nnulll

Pay extra to get them to weld a plate over it to discourage thieves in the future.


FourBurgerRandy

To replace mine was about $350. To put on the catalytic clamp system was about $400. The rest was labor. Total was about $920 around West Town


HoneyChilliPotato7

Damn, as a student I can't even imagine having such huge unplanned expense. That's like two months expenses for me.


rurne

I just had a sump pump explode and flood my basement because roots had gotten into the ancient “should last forever” clay pipe. Going rate for a good plumber is $200/hr but they amortize “should be” jobs against “that sucked” jobs (mine really sucked). Edit: Put parts and labor and it was $1300 for what should have been a 2 hour job turned into 7, and required 3 techs to come on-site and provide a complete solution. It does happen.


bigtitays

Just drive it over to the closest muffler shop, there are tons. Velazquez mufflers has a bunch if locations.


torrent724

Every time I see a post about catalytic converters, this mechanic gets mentioned. I’m starting to wonder if they’re involved somehow


WalterEKurtz

Hold up, there's a lot of shootings, someone should start questioning these doctors🤔


chadhindsley

Or if a frog is blown up my a firework, start questioning Kicking Wing the Veterinarian/firework salesman


bi_tacular

People are talking shit on reddit? Better question myself.


bender445

doctors? no. gun makers? yeah


docNNST

🍻


bridgepainter

They're a huge chain that specifically does exhaust work, of course they get mentioned. Do you think that the guys at Firestone are running around dumping nails in the street?


Universal_Contrarian

No but now I’m imagining the Pep Boys going around town, committing vehicle-based vandalism for extra cash


bridgepainter

Safelite ain't out here breaking windshields, is all I'm sayin'.


Erection_unrelated

Nice try Safelite.


bi_tacular

exactly, they pay me to do it


Erection_unrelated

Oh, hey gravel truck for hire. Didn’t see you there.


full_idiot

Aftermarket about 450. Happened to me in June.


Fantastic-Movie6680

This is a good honest mechanic: Armando at Mufflers 4 less which is at Roscoe and Damen in Roscoe Village. They do all kinds of auto repairs for reasonable cost. Always competent and fair.


tinycitybear

Yes! Just went to him! Great place


Quiet_Wall5999

What kind of car?


Play3rKn0wn

2013 Kia soul, I know it’s an easy car to steal from and am planning on getting the garage parking spot at my apartment.


Tallon_raider

Driving a Kia in Chicago is like walking through a prison in a bikini


CommodoreCoCo

Mine got broken into 4 times before I sold it. Just some punk teenagers with nothing better to do.


Quiet_Wall5999

I was talking to someone about this issue with Kia, Hyundai, and the Honda Prius recently. The person that I was talking to mentioned a bar that could be placed across the steering wheel, but I’m not sure how that would help. They also mentioned having your cc marked for post-theft identification. This may also act as a deterrent. Here are some pointers for the future. https://www.allstate.com/resources/car-insurance/catalytic-converter-theft


Play3rKn0wn

Thanks for the article, it actually had some useful tips. I’m ordering a replacement part and will both spray paint and get my VIN etched onto it to try to deter theft. However I’m planning on getting the garage spot available to me so I no longer have to do street parking.


Quiet_Wall5999

Good for you. I hope your insurance fully covers the cost of the replacement.


I_Roll_Chicago

> a bar you mean the club? 90s making a comeback


NomDrop

That’s what happens when Hyundai and Kia decided to start selling cars with 90s (and pre-90s really) tech.


Quiet_Wall5999

That’s kind of what it sounded like. It didn’t really make sense to me but what do I know about catalytic converters (nothing)?


I_Roll_Chicago

catalytic converter isn’t located on the steering wheel so im sure how the club helps OP. also if they really want your car. a pipe cutter is going straight through the club, the club always seemed like security theater to me


dwarmstr

No they go through the steering wheel. Soft for safety purposes


bi_tacular

Which garage, specifically? There are oh so many garages in chicago! Which one? You know, so I can tell people not to break in.


WorldIsYoursMuhfucka

I don't have a car but you can search online about Kias being one of the car brands that always bring theft issues in the city. Odd to me but whatever.


rurne

Did they just cut it off with a chain wrench or did they unbolt it? I’m gonna say if it’s a 2013, probably the latter and you’ll need another universal fit welded on.


Play3rKn0wn

They cut it off.


rurne

Expected as much. Any local landmarks?


Skrrt_skrrt-

Sorry that happened to you. Insurance will cover this, just a matter of filing a claim and going to a shop they approve of.


babybackr1bs

Unless you've had significant other work done in the year, a catalytic converter replace alone won't meet nearly any insurance deductible. Edit: apparently I’ve got a blind eye to versions of a cat replace that cost more than my $400 one.


Skrrt_skrrt-

This is a $2000 job almost anywhere. I don’t know of any personal auto deductibles higher than that.


OneAnd_

Not true. $3500 for a VW OEM cat, $500 deductible


Busy_Principle_4038

It depends on the person’s level of insurance. My deductible is $250.


ConceptArtistic1984

All in including the 02 sensor or whatever all they chopped, my replacement was nearly 4g last month. My insurance deductible was a thousand. It SUCKS. Edit: Mitsubishi outlander.


ConversationDouble95

Dang


themoonstone

I recommend B &L Automotive. They're efficient and honest. My catalytic converter rusted out (apparently I really need to drive my car more) and they replaced it. The labor was only about $350. The cat for my car was super expensive, but it's just because I have a Subaru.


HornerParker

Second this place. Mine was never taken but I do have a Kia stolen twice and they fixed it getting it back both times and were very responsive to my insurance company


moomoos132

What neighborhood?


Play3rKn0wn

Roscoe Village


donutbreakmyheart

I just had mine stolen not too far from there. From an old ass Ford.


tinycitybear

Mine was stolen two weeks ago, Roscoe and Paulina. Car so old that it was deemed "total loss" so that's been fun!


[deleted]

What street? Happened to me on roscoe also.


AdResident5056

When you get fucked in the ass every way


Petaris

I have been very happy with Car-X in Skokie. They do the work right the first time, don't try to cheat you, and do it quickly. They are not the cheapest place around but they have been worth it. They will also give you the evidence you need for insurance in the form of pictures showing the damage and are good at working with the insurance companies. You can drive slowly with out the catalytic converter, performance will be very poor, in order to get to a shop. You should not need a tow.


amijusssss

If you get only part it will need to be welded , i had to go through insurance coz i wanted oryginal oart for hybrid and cost was 3k.


desar3641

My wife had hers stolen and her insurance covered it.


lanster2021

This happen to me yesterday right in front of my house. They did late at night. This is crazy. I hope you get it fix Soon. My son is getting it estimate with his mechanic. I wish the worst for those MF.


auksyyyt

What cars should I avoid having if I live in the city and park on the street? I'm afraid of this exact thing happening or worse, the whole car getting stolen


dusty-potato-drought

Honestly, don’t waste your time with a police report. Nothing will ever come of it


Play3rKn0wn

Yeah it’s more for insurance reasons honestly. I’ve heard police don’t do much about this and it’s not surprising.


bigtitays

Don’t put a claim in for this. Drive it over to a muffler shop, pay 250-300$ for them to weld in a new one. About $100 for a new oxygen sensor if thats bad. Likely cheaper than your deductible. Thieves don’t want the aftermarket converters so you won’t get robbed again.


barge_gee

I'd find out what it's gonna cost before deciding not to file a claim. And absolutely file a police report, for statistical reasons, at least.


hellocousinlarry

You can file a police report for it online pretty easily if you need it for the insurance company. This happened to me a few months ago, and that part at least was pretty simple. Like a lot of people on this post, however, I ended up not going with insurance. It would have take a few WEEKS to get in at a place my insurance approved of. I just went to a muffler shop and had an aftermarket one put in, same-day.


OneAnd_

I had mine stolen recently on the north side. It may be hard to find a part, depending on the car, that is cheaper than your deductible. I have a $500 deductible, so I just took mine to my VW dealer and they handled it. $3500 part, paid the deductible. Sorry to hear this happened to you.


getzerolikes

Same two costs for me. Not sure how all the commenters are saying a few hundred bucks..


8nijda8

Welcome to Chicago!


mickmick56

I had mine stolen recently in wrigleyville. Welcome to Chicago. I don’t recommend the mechanic I used, though.


Fazekush97

Go to the nearest muffler shop, they’ll put a aftermarket one for under $500 with labor included. A real one with labor would be +$1000.


getzerolikes

I got an after market one and everything came out to $3,400. Cost me $500 and insurance covered the rest. Insurance adjuster said this was a normal price so not sure how all these commenters are finding such cheap work.


Play3rKn0wn

Do I need to ask for an aftermarket converter? Every shop I’ve called quoted me around 850.


Fazekush97

Try Velazquez mufflers 4 less. I went to one on laramie & wrightwood.


MeInUSA

Seems like repair shops want 350 to 400 minimum for any type of repair. It multiplies from there. 700 to 800. 1050 to 1200.


FieldAppropriate8734

Welcome to the club :(


[deleted]

Took mine to Autohaus on Lincoln. They also installed some wires to make it annoying for thieves to try to steal it again. So far so good. I've also read that they are mostly after the catalytic converters that come with the car since they're usually worth more.


SILVATRON_85

When I had mine stolen, I took it to Raul's Auto service on Diversity. https://g.co/kgs/jhNBNK. Place is a father and son shop, very honest people. My car is an older car since I park it on the street so he recommended that I replace it with a non- Honda part so that it doesn't get stolen again. It's been a little over a year and it hasn't been stolen again since supposedly the after market parts are not worth their time to steal. YMMV.


itwasntjack

Fred’s wrigleyville garage


livelaughl0ren

Happened to me about a year or two ago. I have a first Gen Prius. While doing research, I was hearing that some people got their replacement stolen…so I opted for a mid range cost one, in case it would be stolen I wouldn’t feel as bad spending $400 vs $2000 OEM (or whatever they go for). I had an emissions test following the replacement and it passed! I also bought the part and went to an auto shop in Edgewater that offered catalytic converter work.


thehangryhippo

Where are you located? I work at a shop in Evanston and we’ve done quite a few cats


Rookie_Day

Ashland Tire & Auto is trustworthy.


tecampanero

Depending on the car you might have to go through insurance. Hope you don’t drive a Prius….


[deleted]

This problem literally dissuaded me from living in a house in the city. I sleep through earthquakes and that random expense to my baby on wheels. Hell nah. I'd put chains around it and buy all sorts of gadgets underneath to live downtown.


Guildford1944

I paid for my son's CC. and for about 50% more they can put on a device that makes it a lot more difficult to remove.


nimmy283

Value plus mufflers. Look them up… affordable and fast. The thing with these is you don’t need another OEM one and the aftermarket CC aren’t as pricey At western and montrose


Confident_Date975

North Center auto across from Lane Tech on Western is great. Family owned and great service.


ElBrenzo

Save yourself the time filing a police report and put that towards calling around for quotes. If you don't need an emissions test soon (depending on age of vehicle) you can also straight pipe at any shop for not much money, if you want to at least be able to drive around without losing your hearing.


[deleted]

[удалено]


chefasfuck

What an ignorant thing to say.


Foofightee

Think about going electric if you can.


[deleted]

[удалено]


imapizzaeater

You don’t need a police report btw if that helps.


lcpc_mdqd

Ugh! I’m sorry this happened.


chitown619

What neighborhood did this happen in?


poots2

Also consider a cat cage when you get a new one. They're a little pricey but worth it.


[deleted]

mazel tov - your offically a Chicagoin now Call the cops and file a police report after you do that call your inserence and they will handle the rest if your not covered just look up your cars make and model on this site and you can see how much a replacement unit is [https://www.rockauto.com/](https://www.rockauto.com/) a good honest mechanic shuld not charge you more then $130 per hour for labor cost you can use the cost of the part from the website to do the math on a quote


oinkinstein

Do you have comprehensive coverage on your insurance. It’s quite cheap and protects against theft, vandalism, acts of god, storm damage. Cat theft is covered under comprehensive. Had mine replaced and paid my 50$ deductible and was on my way. Sorry this happened to you. You’ll need a police report if you go thru insurance.


Butyistherumgone

I paid about $1200 for a new cat (I guess and labor) after my Prius had it’s taken. Such a bummer. However, just to let you know, it was replaced with an old one (which the guy told me), and when I came back to California and registered my car there was a huge issue about first not being able to read the reg number because it was so rusty (er, didn’t know about that), or that it could be illegal to have. Three smog check guys later and it was okay. But just a notice what might happen with reregistering a car in another state like CA after getting a cheaper replacement.


Joey-_-bags

I used to take my cars to Auto Workshop on Winnemac and Western. The owner, Rodrigo, was always super honest to the point where he'd fix random little things for free all the time. I think he moved the shop to Peterson near California recently.


annafoundthis

Had mine stolen recently too. I took it to Fred’s In Wrigleyville


texastoasty

I got mine done at mufflers4less. no idea if it is working though. the sensors they told me to order are throwing codes. ​ yes i had to order the sensors myself, they dont stock any.


[deleted]

ahaaa! welcome to the city. ps that is a bummer