Catalytic Converter Cali emissions?

yorkie412008
Sat, 28 Feb 2015 20:51:44 +0000
Maintenance/Repairs

Just got a 2002 Suzuki XLZ last night, which started up fine for me and ran for a good 15 min with no hiccups…had flat tires from sitting through the winter, and report of “exhaust leak” by previous owner. Had it towed to muffler shop who had replaced the fuel pump and gas lines (previous owner said they told him the exhaust leak needed to be fixed or the gas tank/lines/pump would be messed up again because of the leak) and had price quote of around 400 to fix the leak. Same muffler shop now says they can’t get it started/keep it running long enough today to check thoroughly b/c the exhaust flow is too low and the car is cutting off. They say that the “California emissions” catalytic converter is bad and that replacement is $2400-$2600 before they can even check on the exhaust leak that they had previously diagnosed and quoted. This is not a dealer shop, but is a large franchise (Big Al’s). Not sure if the California part makes any difference in the cost? (I don’t live in CA and have no emissions testing in my state.) How badly am I being scammed here? Does Calif emissions have anything to do with the cost of a replacement? and If I sink this money into it, what are the additional expenses I am likely looking at (b/c I know that the converter issue is basically a symptom of another problem). Thanks for any tips or advice…

44 posts - 11 participants