Can you sell a car with a missing catalytic converter in Milwaukee? Learn how it affects the price and what you need to know before selling.
The “Cat” Factor: How It Affects Your Junk Car Quote
One of the most common questions we get at {businessInfo.name} is: “My catalytic converter was stolen. Can I still sell the car?”
The short answer is YES, we still buy it. The longer answer is that it significantly affects the price.
What is a Catalytic Converter and Why is it Valuable?
A catalytic converter is an emissions control device that converts toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas into less toxic pollutants. It is located in the exhaust system underneath your vehicle.
Why are they worth money? Inside the converter is a honeycomb structure coated with precious metals, primarily:
- Platinum
- Palladium
- Rhodium
In recent years, the price of Rhodium specifically has skyrocketed, obtaining values higher than gold. This is why “cat theft” became such a massive issue in Milwaukee and nationwide.
How Much Value Does a Missing Converter Remove?
If your converter is missing (stolen or replaced with a straight pipe), the value of your junk car drops—sometimes drastically.
- Average Junk Car WITH Converter: $300 - $800+
- Average Junk Car WITHOUT Converter: $100 - $300
The math is simple: When we buy a junk car, a large portion of our profit comes from recycling that converter. If it’s gone, we are essentially buying the car just for the steel weight and other parts.
OEM vs. Aftermarket Converters
This is a critical distinction that many sellers miss.
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): These are the converters installed at the factory (Ford, Honda, Toyota, etc.). They have high levels of precious metals and are very valuable.
- Aftermarket: If you had your converter replaced at a generic muffler shop for $200, it is likely an aftermarket unit. These are designed to pass emissions but contain very little precious metal.
From a scrap perspective, an aftermarket converter is worth almost nothing (often $5-$15 in scrap value), whereas an OEM converter can be worth $100-$800 alone.
Selling a Car with a Cut Converter
If your converter was stolen, here is what you need to do when getting a quote:
- Be Honest: Tell the buyer immediately. If a tow truck shows up and finds the converter missing when it wasn’t disclosed, the driver will likely drop the offer price on the spot or refuse the pickup.
- Check for Damage: Thieves often cut O2 sensors, fuel lines, or exhaust pipes when stealing converters. Let us know if the car is drivable or not.
- Have a Police Report (Optional but Good): While we don’t require it for the sale, having a police report for the theft is good documentation.
Can I Sell a Loose Converter?
In Wisconsin, selling a loose catalytic converter (one that is already cut off the car) is highly regulated to prevent theft.
- We DO NOT buy loose converters from the general public.
- We ONLY buy converters that are still attached to the vehicle we are purchasing.
Summary
- Yes, you can sell a car without a catalytic converter.
- Expect a lower offer, typically hundreds of dollars less than a complete car.
- OEM converters drive the high prices; aftermarket ones do not.
- Disclose this upfront to guarantee your quote.
Ready to sell? Even without the cat, {businessInfo.name} pays fair market value for the remaining steel and parts. Call us purely for the weight value!