Can I just drive with P0420 instead of paying this?

Often yes, for a long time — the engine runs normally and the cost is emissions, not mechanics. You'll fail emissions testing where required. What you shouldn't ignore is whatever upstream problem may be cooking the converter further.

Why are the cheap eBay converters so cheap?

Minimal precious-metal loading. Many physically fit and pass nothing: the efficiency monitor reads right through them and P0420 returns in weeks. They're the most expensive cheap part in this catalog.

Is removing it instead an option?

No — illegal for road vehicles essentially everywhere, an automatic inspection failure, and modern computers detect it. Shops that offer 'deletes' for street cars are offering you their legal problem.

How Much Does Catalytic Converter Replacement Cost?

Quick answer

Catalytic converter replacement runs $900–$2,500 at a shop for most vehicles with an OEM or certified direct-fit unit; quality aftermarket on common cars can land $500–$1,200 installed. California-compliant units cost substantially more. Before ANY of it: a P0420 doesn't automatically mean the converter — diagnosis first saves four figures.

This is the repair where diagnosis pays its highest wage. The P0420/P0430 efficiency codes are triggered by the converter's report card — but failing sensors, exhaust leaks, and engine problems poisoning the converter produce the same grade. Our P0420 page exists to rule those out, because a new converter installed under the same conditions dies the same death.

The price spread is precious metals plus regulation: converters contain platinum, palladium, and rhodium (the reason thieves want them), and emissions law dictates which replacements are legal for your vehicle — California and the states adopting its rules require CARB-certified units that cost two to four times the federal-spec equivalents.

Typical price ranges

Scenario	Typical range (US)
Quality aftermarket direct-fit, common car (federal spec)	$500–$1,200 installed
OEM converter, mainstream vehicle	$1,200–$2,500 installed
CARB-compliant (CA + adopting states) Legally required by registration state — verify before buying	$1,000–$3,000+
Theft replacement (cut pipes, sensors, shields) Comprehensive insurance often applies — check your policy	$1,500–$3,500+

Ranges are typical US prices as of 2026, compiled from market rates — your vehicle, region, and shop will vary. Get itemized quotes.

What moves the price

Your state's emissions rules

The single biggest legal cost factor: CARB states prohibit federal-spec converters. Buying the wrong one = failed inspection + buying twice.
OEM vs certified aftermarket vs bargain universal

Bargain universals routinely fail the efficiency monitor — P0420 returns and the money is spent. Mid-tier direct-fit is usually the value point.
What killed the old one

Misfires, oil burning, or rich running poison converters. Skip this diagnosis and the new unit is a countdown timer.
Welding vs bolt-in

Direct-fit bolt-in units install in an hour; universal units need exhaust shop welding — cheaper part, more labor.

How to pay less (without getting burned)

Spend on diagnosis first: rear O2 sensor, exhaust leaks, fuel trims. An $80 sensor masquerades as a $1,500 converter regularly.
Independent exhaust shops often beat general shops on this exact job — it's their specialty and they stock direct-fit lines.
If theft is the cause, call your insurer before paying cash — comprehensive coverage typically applies, and shields/etching may be discounted add-ons.
Fix the root cause (misfire, oil consumption) in the same visit, or budget to do this twice.

Frequently asked questions

Can I just drive with P0420 instead of paying this?: Often yes, for a long time — the engine runs normally and the cost is emissions, not mechanics. You'll fail emissions testing where required. What you shouldn't ignore is whatever upstream problem may be cooking the converter further.
Why are the cheap eBay converters so cheap?: Minimal precious-metal loading. Many physically fit and pass nothing: the efficiency monitor reads right through them and P0420 returns in weeks. They're the most expensive cheap part in this catalog.
Is removing it instead an option?: No — illegal for road vehicles essentially everywhere, an automatic inspection failure, and modern computers detect it. Shops that offer 'deletes' for street cars are offering you their legal problem.