Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen

Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen? It will only take a few minutes for thieves to get under your vehicle, remove your converter and disappear immediately without your realization that they were there.

Catalytic converters are a target for thieves because of their precious metals (platinum, rhodium, and palladium) sold on scrap yards.

However, some catalytic converters are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen.

They include those with lower after-market prices and those with lesser precious metals.

Examples include Ford, Dodge, Mazda, Chevy, Mazda, and Hyundai.

They are least likely to be stolen because they lack the precious metal; hence they are not worth much.

However, that does not mean they are immune to theft, but the probability is very low.

Which Cars Are Least Likely to Have Catalytic Converter Stolen	Which Cars Are Most Likely to Have Catalytic Converter Stolen
Ford	Toyota Prius
Chevrolet	Trucks
Dodge	SUVs
Mazda	Vans
Subaru	Hybrid Cars
Chrysler	Tacoma
Hyundai	Honda Accord
According to American Automobile Association (AAA), hybrid cars and Toyota Priuses are highly targeted as their converters are less worn out compared to traditional automobiles. Vehicles that have higher ground clearance are also targeted as they allow for easier access to the converters. That means delivery vehicles and buses are also at risk.

Why Are So Many Catalytic Converters Being Stolen?

Catalytic converters get stolen because they are expensive, and a stolen converter could be sold on a black market for up to $800.

Other thieves take the platinum and rhodium out of the catalytic converter, turn it into a junkyard and sell for good money.

The process is quiet and takes only a few minutes, and you won’t even notice the catalytic converter is gone until you start the engine.

When you start a car with a missing converter, it will be deafening like it’s almost blowing up; that is a sign there is no catalytic converter.

Unluckily, there is nothing much to do to prevent theft.

However, you can attach a splash guard below the catalytic underneath your car. It helps in guarding the converter.

The shields are costly, but they go a long way in protecting your vehicle.

In addition, you can park your car in a safe garage or in a parking lot that is well lit.

What Cars Don’t Have Catalytic Converters?

Cars that don’t have catalytic converters are fully electric vehicles only.

It is because they do not emit gaseous substances. To fill the battery of electric cars, you only need to plug them in a power source since they do not use gasoline or diesel.

Examples of such cars include; Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla models, Audi E-Tron, and Volkswagen e-Golf. They do not have catalytic converters since they are electric.

There is no hybrid vehicle without a catalytic converter.

According to the law, 100% of every new car powered by gasoline has catalytic converters.

What Car Has The Most Valuable Catalytic Converter For Scrap?

Generally, the larger the vehicle’s engine, the more valuable the converter.

Thieves are likely to target vehicles with expensive catalytic converters because they get more value from their scrap.

Ferrari F430 has the most valuable catalytic converter.

According to 2020 data, Ferrari F430 catalytic converter costs $3,770.00. In addition, it requires two converters; therefore, the total cost would be $7,540 before adding labor charges.

The second most valuable converter is Lamborghini Aventador, and it costs $3,120. Like Ferrari F430, Lamborghini requires two catalytic converters; thus, the total replacement will cost $6,240.

The catalytic converter for the two might seem very expensive, but you will afford the catalytic converters if you can afford the cars.

The third car with the most valuable catalytic converter is Ram 2500. It is not exotic like Ferrari or Lamborghini. Thus its replacement costs up to $3,460.

The fourth most valuable is Ford F-250 and costs $2,804, indicating a significant decrease in price from the other three.

The fifth most valuable converter is Ford Mustang at $1500, a moderate price.

The average price for a catalytic converter is between $800 and $1200. The cost of the catalytic converter depends on the car type and the model.

Which Cars Are Most Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen

Some model of cars is a target for thieves more than others. For instance, cars with little ground clearance are more prone to theft.

SUVs and Pickups are most likely to have their catalytic converter stolen even though their converters are not costly. Their price is less than $50.

Honda Vans, Toyota Priuses, and U-Haul are prone to converter theft.

Such vehicle owners should park them in a well-lit parking lot and install cameras for security purposes. Drivers should also install anti-theft devices on their vehicles to prevent theft.

How to Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft

Theft of Catalytic converters is now rampant everywhere. Thieves steal and sell the converters to scrap metal dealers in just a few minutes.

To replace a catalytic converter can be very expensive, depending on your car model.

Here are some tips to help you prevent catalytic converter theft and cut the costs involved in its replacement.

1. Know If Your Car Is a Target For Catalytic Converter Theft

If you want to know the cars that are a target for thieves in your area, call one of the local muffler stores to enquire.

I’m sure they will be kind enough to explain to you the affected cars in the neighborhood. They will tell you the recent cars with catalytic converter replacement in their store.

For instance, Prius is a commonly stolen vehicle because they have low emissions. Trucks and SUVs are also a common target because they easily slide underneath the car instead of jacking it up.

2. Install Anti-Theft Component on Your Catalytic Converter

Anti-theft devices can help protect your catalytic converter, and they are cheaper than replacing them. They range from $250 to $800.

Some of the anti-theft devices include;

• Installing a steel shield that protects the catalytic converter requires more time and tools to reach the converter.
• Fitting steel cages of high strength over the converter makes them hard to cut.
• Custom welding stainless steel cables from the converter to the car’s frame.

3. Paint Your Catalytic Converter

If you paint your catalytic converter with high-temperature fluorescence paints like orange and inscribe your car’s identification number, it will make it easy to trace. In addition, reputable dealers will not accept buying it.

4. Invest In a Camera or Set an Alarm to Catch Thieves

You can set your vehicle’s alarm to allow it to go off if thieves come into close contact with your car. However, some notices can go off when your cat jostles your vehicle, so you should be careful not to get all worked up for nothing.

Therefore installing a camera that is sensitive to motion can give you a notification of theft and even record the number plate of the thief’s car.

Additionally, it is preferable to invest in lights sensitive to motion and ensure you also park your car in a closed garage or drive away.

Final Thoughts on Which Cars Are Least Likely To Have Catalytic Converter Stolen

Catalytic converters are a target for thieves because of the costly precious metals.

Cars made before 1974 are least likely to have their catalytic converter stolen because they have none. However, it is now mandatory for all vehicles to have converters.

Therefore vehicles with less valuable metals are least likely to have their catalytic converters stolen.

Other vehicles whose converter is fitted in the engine component are also less target for thieves because they are difficult to steal.

Regardless, that does not mean that thieves will not steal them, so protect your converter from theft at all times.