Scion xB Catalytic Converter Scrap Price - How Much Will They Pay?

Scion xB is a really unique car that came to us from Japan. It reflects exactly the Japanese style of vehicle that was really popular in the early 2000s. The cubic design of the first-generation xB grew into the sleeker and more beautiful second-gen model in 2007. But the sales in the US never were that good. Anyway, some of these xBs are still on the road.

Today, we'll talk about the scrap catalytic converter prices for the Scion xB and will tell you how much you can get for a converter that is about to die or already dead. Also, we'll look at possible ways to sell the cat in order to get as much money as possible. Still thinking about scrapyards when holding an old converter in your hands? Your views are completely outdated!

So, here's what we are going to tell you:

• What kinds of converters were installed into the Scion xB?
• How long will the original xB cat converters live?
• How much money should you be able to get from these cats?
• Where and how should you sell the scrap cat converter?
• Do you need a replacement cat when you scrap your old converter from the xB?

Let's get started!

Location and type of the catalytic converter in your Scion xB

First of all, we should understand what type of converters was used in your Scion xB. And here we have to say that the owners of the first-generation xB with the 1.5-liter engine are not as lucky as those who bought the second-gen xB. The first-generation vehicles with the small-displacement engine have a relatively small cat that is integrated into the exhaust system. It still costs some money, but it's not that expensive.

The second-gen vehicles have a pre-cat and the main cat. The pre-cat is placed in the exhaust manifold while the main converter is located near the muffler. Both converters may be sold when broken or clogged. The newer Scion xB is powered by the 2.5-liter engine that was also pretty popular in Camry models. The converters are basically the same as in the Camry.

Here are some more facts to remember:

• the bigger cats of the second-gen Scion xB are easier to sell at a good price because they contain more precious metals;
• all converters from your xB will have some platinum, palladium, and also s little rhodium inside them;
• these cats are very tough and long lasting, they are original Toyota catalytic converters, the same as were used in many Toyota models;
• sometimes, these cats may come without any serial numbers, but it's not hard to understand if they are OEM or aftermarket;
• to delete these cats, you will need to cut them off the vehicle and this will require some additional work to repair the system;
• original Toyota cats very often live as long as the car does, but sometimes they may be damaged or clogged.

To locate the catalytic converter in your vehicle, just get under the car and look at the metal box placed between the engine and the muffler. If the converter is damaged and has some holes in it, it may not cost as much as you want to get for the scrap part. Also, pre-cats are not that expensive and sometimes are not worth selling.

Anyway, before you decide to sell your catalytic converter, you should look around for options. Maybe, someone will want to give you more money for the cat. Also, after reading this article to the end, you will know how to instantly know the price of your converter even if our estimated prices are not up-to-date anymore.

How long will the Scion xB cat converter live?

Usually, you will need to replace the cat converter if it's damaged by some road debris, rocks, or excessive rust. Cats are placed under the car and are sometimes the lowest point in the vehicle. So, if you are driving over a rock or something else, you may damage the cat.

If not damaged, Toyota's original catalytic converters can live quite long. In many cases, xB owners even don't know about the existence of such a part in their vehicles. But if your Scion loses power, stalls, shakes when accelerating, and shows the check-engine sign on its dash, the cat converter may be the issue.

Cats can survive over 150,000 miles if the engine is OK. But they may die much earlier if they are overheated or some hot oil gets inside them. If you have oxygen-sensor-related problems at 100,000 miles or near that mileage, you should check the cat converter and maybe replace it.

How much can a catalytic converter from your Scion xB cost?

If we are talking about the original OEM converter from a 2.5L-powered Scion xB, it should cost about $180. The first-gen Scion catalytic converter will cost nearly $120. And the pre-cat from the newer Scion may be bought for $60 or something like that.

Of course, these are just average prices that are true for the time when this article is written. You should also consider that many factors may change this price and our estimated figures will not be the same anymore.

Here are some of the key factors:

• the condition of your cat converter - the broken and demolished cats are bought at lower prices;
• the prices for precious metals - exactly for platinum, palladium, and also rhodium;
• the demand for used cat converters and the amount available for recycling companies on the market;
• the way you are selling this converter and the buyer you choose for this.

Well, a lot of factors, and not all of them actually depend on you. You can change the only factor - the buyer. So, who will want to buy a Scion xB catalytic converter that is already clogged, broken, or just used?

How to sell the Scion xB catalytic converter?

When it comes to selling a used cat converter, you will be able to choose from a couple of options. But most people still like going to local scrapyards. You should know one thing: scrapyards don't recycle cats, they just find some company or person who will buy those cats at higher prices. As a result, the offered price is never high enough.

Here are the options you may think about:

• scrapyards - the most obvious buyer for the Scion xB catalytic converter, but it's never the best option for you;
• resellers - these are private buyers who want to resell your converters to other companies and get some revenue, not the best idea;
• exhaust shops - today, they also buy used cat converters to then resell them and earn money, the price offers are the same as with scrapyards;
• recycling companies - these are the only companies that actually recycle catalytic converters and then sell precious metals.

Our choice is recycling companies because they offer the best prices and also care about their clients. For example, recycling companies will pay for shipping and will also provide a remote price estimation for free.

To sell the converter to such a company, you should find it online. Then send them the pictures of your converter and the information about your Scion. They will make the offer and you will know the exact price that they can pay for the cat.

Will you need a replacement catalytic converter for your Scion xB?

It depends on the state you are in, but in most states around the US, you will need the replacement catalytic converter. At the fog test, they will check the physical presence of the catalytic converter in your vehicle. If there is no cat, they will just not allow you to drive the car on public roads.

So, the only thing you can do if the converter is dead is to replace it with a new one. It may be the expensive OEM part or the aftermarket solution for your Scion xB. Sometimes, these converters are really expensive and the cheap options aren't that efficient.

Also, you will need to pay for labor, so the overall price of replacing the cat is pretty high.

Driving without a cat converter is not allowed. But if you've just passed the fog test, there is no way police will know about the absence of the cat in your system. You may drive for a couple of months and then install the new cat. But still, you'll have to weld in some pipe to make the engine work smoothly and stop it from roaring. So, expenses are going to be quite high, anyway.

Final words

Thinking about selling your Scion xB catalytic converter? You can try just quoting before. Find some websites of different recycling companies and ask them how much they can pay. Also, if your xB cat converter is still alive and can pass the fog test, you can advertise it for sale on eBay. This will allow you to get some more money, but you'll need to wait for your client.

If you don't want to bother, just find a middleman who will pay you cash right there and then. But be ready to sell your Scion cat at a lower price.