My HCH I with 165,000 miles needs a new catalytic converter. The Honda place quoted $1500 to repair it.

That seems like an awful lot. Can't I just buy this cat: http://www.1aauto.com/1A/CatalyticCo...crn=&ovtac=CMP

And then have my mechanic friend install it for me for much less than $1500? Or is there something I'm missing?

Thanks

Dan

Why not? As long as the vehicle will pass your state's emission inspections std's if any.

Ralph..

Thank you sir! Yes I don't live in a state with mandatory emmissions inspections, but a few counties here in texas have them (my own county included). Austin TX incase anyone wanted to know.

Thats good... so theres not some weird catalytic converter for hybrids only... Thanks!

Keep in mind that is a generic UNIVERSAL-fit cat. This means you will (most likely) have to take it to a muffler shop for them to fit it. It is NOT made or sized especially for the Civic, the Civic Hybrid, or even a Honda. It's very generic. So do get estimates on installing one before heading down this path.
Also, oftentimes these universal ones are of much lesser quality and may not last 50K miles. Consider this in your total costs, although at 165K miles, it may not matter much any more.
Some muffler shops (like Pronto) may offer you a pretty good deal, too. Certainly less than the Honda stealer cat pricing.
Also, you can probably get the genuine Honda cat from another dealer or an online dealer. Check out some of them.
Here's one:
http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/...5=EXHAUST+PIPE
The Honda cat is $668.07 here.

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL

I would stay away from the universal cat. and go with a exact fit cat. alittle more $$$ but will be a lot easier to install