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My engine light came on so I took my 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid to the dealer. They told me that the car needs a new catalytic converter, which will cost like $1200 for the part and labor. Ouch! My dad had me call around, and we found another shop that will put in the same Honda part for around $1100, not much better!

When I called the dealer back, the guy said that they can put in an "aftermarket" catalytic converter for around $600, but he said that it's not a good idea. The guy at the other shop also said its a terrible idea and that the newer cars need the factory parts or else they run poorly. My dad thinks we should have the dealer put the aftermarket part in.

What do you guys think?

Thanks!
Corrie

 
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hybrid i dont know about hybrids but i would go after markit.

 
Rep Power: 811

wow already broken? you know any car now has a FEDERAL emissions warranty for 8 yrs or 80k miles right? so your cat is actually free and the dealer could get in big trouble for charging you. and if they offered you an aftermarket part, that will also get them in trouble. dealerships are not allowed to install aftermarket parts as a substitute for honda oem parts. From EPA:

http://www.epa.gov/obd/warranties.htm

**What Are Specified Major Emission Control Components?

There are three specified major emission control components, covered for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use on 1995 and newer vehicles:
Catalytic converters.
The electronic emissions control unit or computer (ECU).
The onboard emissions diagnostic device or computer (OBD).

How Long Do the Emissions Warranties Apply to Individual Parts of My Vehicle?

For 1995 and newer model year vehicles, emission control and emission related parts are warranted for the first 2 years or 24,000 miles of vehicle use. Specified major emission-control components are warranted for the first 8 years or 80,000 miles of vehicle use.


How Do I Know Whether I Am Entitled to Coverage Under the Emissions Warranties?

If you or a qualified automotive technician can show that an emission control or emission related component, or a specified major, emission-control component, is defective, the repair or replacement of the part is probably covered under the Design and Defect warranty. If your vehicle failed a federally approved emissions test and has not exceeded the time and mileage limitations for the Performance warranty, any repairs or adjustments necessary for your vehicle topass should be covered by the manufacturer if the failure was not caused by improper maintenance or abuse. When you believe you have identified a defective part, or your vehicle fails an emission test, you should follow the procedures for making a warranty claim as identified by the manufacturer in your owner's manual or warranty booklet. When taking your vehicle in to have repairs performed under the Performance Warranty, be sure to have with you a copy of the I/M test report as proof of your emissions test failure.

Can Any Portion of An Emissions Warranty Repair Be Charged to Me?

If you have valid warranty claim, you cannot be charged for any costs associated with the diagnosis or repair of the problem, including labor charges, parts, or miscellaneous items that are necessary to complete the repair. For example, if a manufacturer agrees to replace a catalytic converter under the emissions warranty, you should not be charged for the diagnosis of the bad converter, or any pipes, brackets, adjustments, or labor needed to complete the replacement.

What Do I Do If the Manufacturer Will Not Honor What I Believe to Be a Valid Emissions Warranty Claim?

If you believe the manufacturer has not honored a valid claim and your vehicle has not exceeded the time and mileage limitations, you should contact an authorized warranty representative and follow the procedures outlined in your owner's manual or warranty booklet. If the authorized dealer denies your warranty claim, contact the manufacturer's regional or zone office for further assistance. If you are still not satisfied, follow the appeals procedure outlined in your manual or warranty booklet.

Of course, you are entitled to pursue any independent legal actions you consider appropriate to obtain coverage under the emissions warranties. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is authorized to investigate the failure of manufacturers to comply with the terms of these warranties. If you have followed the manufacturer's procedures (including those for appeals) for making a warranty claim as set out in your owner's manual or warranty booklet, have received a written denial and you are not satisfied with the manufacturer's determination, you may submit a letter to EPA at the following address. It should provide details of the situation including the basis for the claim, a copy of the written denial, copies of your letters to the manufacturers, and copies of any receipts for emission control parts and repairs you have paid for:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Vehicle Programs & Compliance Division (6405J)
Attn: Warranty Complaints
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460

 
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Thanks for the info!

Actually, the car has 112,000 miles on it, so I think the warranty is expired.

Will an aftermarket catalytic converter cause problems? Maybe I should just pay full price for the Honda product. Both the dealer and the other shop are suggesting that. I just hate to pay $1100 or more!

 
Rep Power: 811

the aftermarket will work fine so long as it has all the proper holes for the sensors. usually at least an oxygen sensor needs to go in there.

 
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Ok, so hopefully the shop will get the right aftermarket part and put it in correctly!

Thanks!

 
Rep Power: 811

well if they do it wrong, the check engine light will stay on.

 
Rep Power: 387

.... Hmmm I'm not famil with the hybrid version but I THINK it has the same manifold as the dx and lx... and in that case you can read my exhaust swap FAQ thats linked in my sig for some ideas...