How do you tell if a scrap catalytic converter is valuable?

[yhelothar]

I see a lot going for $60-$150 on ebay!
http://www.ebay.com/csc/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=scrap+catalytic+converter&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc

I couldn't even sell mine for $18.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320980789891?ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1560.l2649

 

[Zivic]

I see a lot going for $60-$150 on ebay!
http://www.ebay.com/csc/i.html?_sacat=0&_nkw=scrap+catalytic+converter&LH_Complete=1&rt=nc

I couldn't even sell mine for $18.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320980789891?ssPageName=STRK:MEUSX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1560.l2649

yours was some aftermarket POS... further, yours was probably burnt out? started rattling?

OEM ones are the most. You can look up the make and model of the car and get a value from there. otherwise, size can give you some idea of the value.

I guess my question is why even try to sell on ebay? why not take it to a local scrap yard, junk yard, or specialty recycling center in your area?

 

[manimal]

Ford cats not worth as much, GM chevy more valuable. They give you less if cat is blown out obviously.

Got 200 bucks for a set of cats off a suburban recently. Price fluctuates.


A few months ago they were highest I have seen them in a while.

 

[rifken2]

My father had a brake and muffler shop. He had a guy come by every few months and buy his scrap converters. They harvested the trace amounts of platinum found in the units.

Don't get all excited thinking platinum and lots of cash. The guy that picked them up was a huge redneck pot belly and all. If he had lots of money he certainly wasn't refined. Not that you have to be refined to have money.

 

[FallenHero]

just FYI for those that might buy off of ebay or something similar...the catalytic converters are a big item to steal recently, so you may be buying stolen goods. Make sure you check out the seller before you purchase.

 

[Apex]

Also, the new, high efficiency metal matrix catalytic converters (ie. on new Mercedes, BMW), aren't worth nearly as much as scrap as the old ceramic monolith type.