Chevy Tahoe Catalytic Converter Scrap Price

A big car should have a big catalytic converter. And a big catalytic converter should cost a lot of money, right? We are talking about the Chevy Tahoe today, and this is one of the coolest SUVs among the biggest ones on the market. Do you know why it's cool to own? Because you can sell the cat converter after it starts malfunctioning!

Today, we'll tell you about the Tahoe and its converters. We know the scrap prices for the catalytic converters of the Chevy Tahoe and we'll share them with you. Once you know these prices, you won't agree to bad deals and will avoid buyers who want to trick you and get the converters at a cheap price to then resell them and earn quick cash.

Tahoe scrap cat converter price

Here's what we are going to talk about:

  1. Chevy Tahoe catalytic converter types - where are they located?
  2. What's the scrap price of a Tahoe catalytic converter?
  3. Where should you sell your Chevy Tahoe catalytic converter?
  4. Converter replacement in a Tahoe - aftermarket or OEM?

Let's get started!

Chevy Tahoe cat converters - where will you find them?

First of all, we need to say that all generations of the Chevrolet Tahoe have had really big engines. This means that they don't have only one catalytic converter. They always have an assembly of the converters. The vehicle has been in production since 1994 (the Yukon has even been produced since 1991).

When it comes to scrap catalytic converters, we are usually talking about the first, second, and third generations made up to 2015. The newer Tahoes usually have their OEM catalytic converters working unless they have already hit huge mileage. Anyway, the scrap prices of cat converters will be more or less the same in different generations.

Here's what you should know about scrap catalytic converter from a Tahoe:

  • these cats are General Motors OEM and they will obviously have the Chevy logo on them and also the serial number;
  • usually, OEM General Motors converters are not damaged because they are made to last, but they may get clogged or physically broken because of hitting over something;
  • the average lifespan on the GM big cat is about 120-150 thousand miles which is way above the average cat converter's life;
  • in older SUVs, the converter assembly usually includes two main catalytic converters that are located between the engine and the muffler;
  • the newer Tahoes usually have assemblies of three or four converters - one near each exhaust manifold and one or two main cats near the muffler;
  • these catalytic converters form one unit with the pipe and they are usually sold together with the exhaust pipe.

If you see that your catalytic converters are welded into the pipe, chances are they are aftermarket. This means they will not cost a lot. Aftermarket catalytic converters, even big ones, are usually bought for $10 to $20. You may go to a local scrapyard and sell these cats without reading the article further and spending your time.

But if you have OEM catalytic converters from your Tahoe in your hands, you should read more and find out how you can get the best possible price for the cat. Unfortunately, you will need to replace a broken catalytic converter instead of just selling your old one and spending the money on beer.

How much is the scrap catalytic converter from your Tahoe?

We've already said that a good price is only possible for GM OEM converters. Any aftermarket cats will cost that much.

Your General Motors converter taken off your Tahoe should cost at least $190 for a big main converter and up to $120 for a small cat or a pre-cat. This is not a lot for someone, but it's a much better price than you are usually offered in scrapyards.

Unfortunately, the majority of Americans still sell their old and broken catalytic converters to scrapyards. This is the wrong way and you will not get a lot of money for that. You should find some other way to get a decent price offer.

Here's what can still affect the price of a catalytic converter:

  • its origin - again, you shouldn't expect to sell a non-OEM catalytic converter at a good price, no way it can happen;
  • the condition of the cat - be careful when taking this thing off the car, don't damage it, you may lose the chance to sell it successfully;
  • the current prices of precious metals on the market - this factor is pretty important if you want to get a good price offer;
  • the year of your cat - usually, old cats are not very expensive because they are damaged, so newer cats tend to get better offers;
  • the place where you sell your catalytic converter - you may choose a better company that will offer you a better price.

At this point, you should notice that the only factor you can really change is the buyer of your cat. While one buyer will only offer $30 for a big GM converter, another one may offer $280 for the same cat.

But how can you find good offers? First of all, we don't recommend going to scrapyards, this is just a waste of your time. These guys are resellers and they will want to earn more using your converter. Better think of companies that recycle cats.

How to sell your Tahoe cat converter to a recycling company?

Apart from scrapyards, Americans love selling their catalytic converters to private buyers (so-called middlemen) or to car mechanics and exhaust shops. Also, some people tend to sell the old cats on eBay. And all these ideas are quite bad. They offer low prices and they make you wait for your money.

If you want to get $120-$280 for a big GM catalytic converter, you should go to a recycling company. These companies actually recycle the converters and make money after they sell precious metals they find inside those converters. Actually, all those resellers, middlemen, and scrapyards tend to sell the cats that they buy to recycling companies.

How can you do that directly? Here's how:

  • take some pictures of your Tahoe cat converters that have already been taken off the vehicle;
  • find 2 or 3 or even more companies that buy out catalytic converters from private sellers;
  • use their websites to quote - you will learn the prices in one or two days and will be ready to sell the cat;
  • choose the best price offer - don't forget to compare the offers before you decide;
  • when you compare, don't forget about shipping costs, sometimes they are paid by the buyer;
  • ship your catalytic converters and get the money.

Sometimes, Tahoe catalytic converters assembly can cost up to $600 or even more depending on the number of converters and their condition. The worst thing is that the same assembly will only be sold to a scrapyard for $300 or even less.

So, don't lose your money and just find a way to sell the catalytic converters that you have at a better price. You will only spend a couple of hours taking pictures and finding websites, but it's worth it because you will know the average prices and will be able to make the best decision.

Replacing the cat converters - hard task?

Well, the cat converter replacement is not that hard but it's a costly issue. You will have to find the needed model of the cat converter and you will also need to find a mechanic who will agree to do the work. Labor costs will not be that bad - $100-$300 for all the work depending on the chosen shop.

But here's what you should know about the cheaper aftermarket cat converters:

  • these cats are really cheap because they contain a minimal amount of precious metals;
  • unfortunately, these converters are not so effective in cleaning the exhaust gasses;
  • also, the aftermarket cats have a limited lifespan of 2-3 years or 20-30 thousand miles;
  • if you buy really cheap cats made by an unknown brand, you will probably not pass the fog test.

If you have a Tahoe, better choose OEM cats. Unfortunately, they cost a lot, so you will probably want to buy some aftermarket converters or not install any cats at all. If you have to pass fog tests in your state, the latter is not an option. Also, choose a cat converter made by some well-known brand and never buy the cats that are too cheap.

Final words

If you have a Chevy Tahoe catalytic converter in your hands, you may sell it and get about $190 of cash. How? We've told you in this article. We would choose a recycling company after comparing price offers. This is the easiest and the most lucrative way to sell the catalytic converter that you are not going to use in your vehicle anymore.

If we needed a good catalytic converter for a replacement in our Tahoe, we would buy a more expensive aftermarket option. OEM cats are much better but their prices are just insane.

C
CarAraC Research

About the authors

The CarAraC research team is composed of seasoned auto mechanics and automotive industry professionals, including individuals with advanced degrees and certifications in their field. Our team members boast prestigious credentials, reflecting their extensive knowledge and skills. These qualifications include: IMI: Institute of the Motor Industry, ASE-Certified Master Automobile Technicians; Coventry University, Graduate of MA in Automotive Journalism; Politecnico di Torino, Italy, MS Automotive Engineering; Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, Mechanical University in Skopje; TOC Automotive College; DHA Suffa University, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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