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2003 Volkswagen Golf Catalytic Convert Replacement Advice
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mjs242
New User
Feb 16, 2012, 8:28 AM
Post #1 of 4
(6341 views)
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2003 Volkswagen Golf Catalytic Convert Replacement Advice
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Hey Everyone -- Was hoping I could get some advice on a failed catalytic converter for this car:
Make/Model: Volkswagen Golf
Year: 2003
Mileage: 107k
Engine: 2.0L 4-cylinder
Had a check engine light come on recently and the volkswagen dealer stated that the catalytic converter was bad and needed to be replaced. The original catalytic converter was replaced by the volkswagen dealer about 1.5 years ago. The original was outside of the 80k / 8 year warranty, and the current one is outside of the 12k / 1 year warranty.
Just a side note... After talking to the EPA I've learned of the following government regulations on catalytic converters (this applies to cars/trucks built after 1995):
New car catalytic converters - 80k or 8 year warranty.
Third party catalytic converters - 50k or 5 year warranty.
Replacement catalytic converters from the dealer (OEM) - 12k or 1 year warranty.
This is pretty much BS and the bottom line here is that if your car needs a new catalytic converter, you are better off not having the dealer install one for you unless they are willing to warranty it for a longer time period than what they are obligated to do so by law.
I have a quote from the volkswagen dealer to replace the catalytic converter:
1J0-254-509-A - Catalyst - Qty: 1 - $800.00
021-253-115 - Gasket - Qty: 1 - $10.89
N-102-090-09 - Nut - Qty: 6 - $1.16
357-253-141-A - Clamp - Qty: 1 - $37.98
Total parts: $855.83, with Labor Approximately $955.00
I think the price of the catalyst is really expensive. Checking autozone, I can get a direct fit one
for about $250.00. I've called an indepdent car repair shop asking if I can purchase a catalyst from
auto zone and have them install it. They said yes, but warned me there is some risk involved because
the car may not like the new catalyst and may still throw engine codes/check engine lights.
At this point I'm trying to decide if I should go to a local shop like midas or tuffy, or take the risk
with buying a catalyst from auto zone and having a mechanic install it.
Any advice, prior experience, opinions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 16, 2012, 8:48 AM
Post #2 of 4
(6329 views)
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Re: 2003 Volkswagen Golf Catalytic Convert Replacement Advice
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Don't buy anything. Take it to an exhaust specially shop and get a price from them on installing their aftermarket converter. They will tell you what will work and what won't and it will likely be cheaper than what you're contemplating.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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mjs242
New User
Feb 16, 2012, 10:09 AM
Post #3 of 4
(6289 views)
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Re: 2003 Volkswagen Golf Catalytic Convert Replacement Advice
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The quotes I've received from other places have been in the $600-$700 range. Better than the dealer, but a far cry from $350 which is what it would cost to bring my own cat from auto-zone to a mechanic. I'm wondering about the risks, and if it's worth it or not.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Feb 16, 2012, 12:11 PM
Post #4 of 4
(6284 views)
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Re: 2003 Volkswagen Golf Catalytic Convert Replacement Advice
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Don't plan on that working. If they are quoting that high, it's because the universal will not fit. Most shops will install a universal for $200 or less so don't think you're going to score.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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