How Much is an Old Catalytic Converter Worth?

Catalytic converters are special automotive parts because they contain precious metal. If you have a junk car that still contains an intact catalytic converter, you can expect a higher payout at a local salvage yard. Additionally, if you have one or more catalytic converters that you wish to sell, you can stand to make a wad of cash in doing so. But how much are catalytic converters actually worth? What about older model catalytic converters? Are they still valuable?

Continue reading to learn more about the value of catalytic converters, including the current metal prices as of this week.

Properties of Catalytic Converters

Sell an Old or Broken Catalytic Converter! 317-450-3721
Sell an Old or Broken Catalytic Converter! 317-450-3721

Catalytic converters contain various precious metals, such as palladium, rhodium, and as previously mentioned, platinum. Furthermore, catalytic converters contain other valuable metals, such as ceramic or metal foil and metal shielding. Platinum is a rare, naturally-occurring metal often used for fine jewelry, but has also found a calling in the automotive engineering industry.

You see, platinum is used for catalytic converters because of its high melting points, resistance to corrosion, and density levels. This makes it well-suited for catalytic applications, such as catalytic converters. Best of all, platinum maintains its value since it can be recycled and reused over and over again.

Market Value for Platinum

This means that old or tarnished platinum is virtually equivalent in value as newly-manufactured platinum. Platinum is priced by weight on the metal market, and fluctuates depending on various factors, included changes in national and international economics. The worth of platinum metal can also vary depending on the quality and grade, however, it generally retains high economic value.

⭐ As of March 13th, the current market value for platinum is $ 27,258.69 per kilo, $ 847.84 per ounce, and $27.26 per gram.

Market Value for Catalytic Converters

There are usually between 3 and 7 grams of platinum group metals in a standard catalytic converter. This means that the average quantity of platinum inside ranges between 0.10 and 0.24 ounces. So how much can you expect your catalytic converter to be worth? Well, with these prices averages, you can expect a medium to large, intact catalytic converter to retain around $100 worth of platinum, give or take; but you must also consider the buyers’ fees. This means that you can expect to recover a profit between $50 and $80, depending on the size of your catalytic converter. Again, this varies depending on various factors, including your particular buyer. Smaller catalytic converters will range in value between $25 and $75, depending on the same factors.

How to Sell Used Auto Parts in Indianapolis

Sell a Junk Vehicle 317-450-3721

Call Zore’s Inc. Cash for Cars at 317-450-3721 if you need to sell junk car parts in Indianapolis, Indiana. We pay cash on the spot for all junk cars, trucks, boats, SUVs, construction equipment, and motorcycles. With more than 75 years in business, you can trust that Indianapolis Cash for Cars provides honest customer service and pays the most for junk vehicles
in Indiana. Request a free estimate, today!

Do Junk Cars Contain Precious Metal?

Many people are aware that vehicles are manufactured using a variety of common ferrous and non-ferrous metals, like steel, iron, and aluminum. But did you know that vehicles, like your everyday car or truck, may also contain valuable precious metals? Not only does this mean that your junk car is worth more than you think, it means that you can sell it to any local scrap metal buyer or junk car yard for cash on the spot!

Continue reading to learn which precious metals might be found in your average vehicle, and where to sell a junk car for the best price around!

Sell Us Your Junk Vehicle Today! 317-450-3721

Sell Us Your Junk Vehicle Today! 317-450-3721

Precious Metals

Precious metals are rare, naturally-occurring metals with high economic value. Common examples include gold, silver, platinum, and zirconium. Others include cobalt, titanium, palladium, osmium, ruthenium, iridium, and tungsten. Precious metals retain unique and advantageous qualities and characteristics. Ordinarily, precious metals are admired and desired for their high melting points, resistance to corrosion, and density levels. Many of them are sought-after for their reflective qualities, catalytic applications, and conductivity properties as well.

These metals are used in the industrial manufacturing, jewelry industry, electrical engineering, and even the automotive industry. In fact, there are several valuable metals inside a car; and these metals remain valuable since they can be recycled and reused over and over again. In addition to ferrous and non-ferrous metal, cars and trucks can also contain two valuable precious metals: gold and platinum.

Gold and Platinum

Cars that contain computers also contain circuit boards, which commonly contain gold-plated contact “fingers” at the edges where the connectors slide on. Common automotive computers like the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine control unit (ECU) regulate things like mission controls, antilock brakes (ABS), transmission shifting, ignition timing, fuel injection, turbocharger boosts, and additional engine jobs.

The gold in these circuit boards can be extracted, recycled, and repurposed, over and over again, while never losing its value. Although the current market values for metal dictate how much you can sell a particular type of metal for, gold is always valuable. Regardless of age or condition, a car with a computer circuit board likely contains valuable amounts of gold metal.

Platinum is another valuable precious metal found in virtually all vehicles. Where can it be found? The answer is the catalytic converter. If you have ever had to replace a catalytic converter on your vehicle, you already know that it was not a cheap part. That is because it is made of a rare and highly-valuable metal we call “platinum.”

How to Get Cash for Cars in Indianapolis

Sell a Junk Vehicle 317-450-3721

Sell a Junk Vehicle 317-450-3721

Earn fast cash for junk cars in Indianapolis by calling 317-450-3721 right now! You can reach a friendly office attendant anytime, day or night. Selling a junk car for cash is good for the environment, makes you money, and gets unsafe vehicles off the road. There are several advantages to selling a junk car, but let the cash tempt you the most! Request a free phone quote, today.