Catalytic Converter - used OEM or new aftermarket

I need to replace both cats on my 2002 2.4L. New OEM cats are prohibitively expensive (over $2K for both). I have a line on a pair of used ones for $180 and a bit of a drive, or I was going to order aftermarket parts like this one for around $200 each. https://mufflerexpress.ca/collectio...l-4cyl-01-04-front-catalytic-converter-bank-1
(it claims to be 'oem quality' and 'OBDII configured converter core ensures long life and proper performance')

Are these going to cause me neverending P0420 codes even though they say they 'work properly'? Would used OEM be even more of a gamble? I've read that cats can last almost forever if the engine is running properly. I don't know that mine ever went bad internally - I just have to replace because of rust issues.

I live in a high theft area, so I'd rather replace on the cheap and do it again in a few years as they're likely to get stolen before they wear out anyway.

 

I would go with a decent aftermarket cat.

Do you live in CA? That changes things a bit.

 

I live in Canada which has I believe the same emissions hardware as the US outside California. I'm not concerned about passing emissions as my province doesn't require that anymore, but I do want it to work properly and do what it's supposed to do.

What aftermarket cats qualify as decent? Looks like the magnaflow ones are almost as pricey as Toyota.

 

DEC is decent enough. I haven't looked for Toyota cats in ages so I can't be of much help with the brands.

 

Good luck on trying to get factory. They're on national backorder due to supplies and cat thief.

 

Factory cats new are like $1600 each. Used is illegal to install. I would go aftermarket.

 

I got the Magnaflow universal four years ago, and still good. NO LIGHT

 

It isn't illegal everywhere to buy and install used cats. No idea about Canada though.

 

That makes sense that my junkyard has a sign saying they don't sell catalytic converters - 'don't even ask'. Well anything would be less illegal than what's there now - a cracked front cat and a straight pipe welded in place of the rear. I bought it like that with the intent to fix it properly, and now the exhaust leak serves as a constant reminder to do that. Of course it's always had the code.

Based on the advice here, I'm going to get new aftermarket parts.

 

The magnaflow bolt on replacements are like 1k.

I’m in the same boat and will be going that direction.

 

I replaced my rear with a Walker, no complaints and my code went away.

Here is the 2.4 CATs list

 

What was the price of the Walkers?

 

The Walker cats are in the $300 - $350 range each and that's probably worth it for a brand name. They have heat shields and aluminized coating unlike the cheapo ones I'm looking at. Magnaflow are almost as much as OEM and for me that's hard to justify, the truck was only $5k and there's other projects to save for.

 

the Walker rear I purchased was under $200 US. Canada might be different.

 

So 2002's 2.4's have two cats.....
......boy did I dodge a bullet there....

 

Hmm I'm getting $221US on rockauto, of course the shipping... I think prices have gone up becuase of the rhodium shortage and commodity prices in general. It could get worse, better order cats now.

 

could be, I got mine on the smile site almost two years ago (summer/fall 2020), was nice with Prime and put the exhaust on in one shot. already got the SS bolts/washers/nuts from the store

 

Yeah, seems to be the cheapest for me. $691 CAD for both cats, free shipping. Then I need the hardware. Did you use the spring bolts that Walker sells or just regular stainless ones?

 

Would not spend too much for thieves......

https://www.ebay.com/itm/194505859492?epid=169461678&vxp=mtr

catalytic converter 2002 toyota tacoma base 2.4l in Catalytic Converters: Search Result | eBay

 

That's a good price, I don't have a welder though. Maybe just taking it a muffler shop is a good option?