Toyota Tacoma Catalytic Converters Scrap Prices (16 results)

Why is the Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter scrap price so attractive?

Toyota Tacoma is considered as a middle-sized pickup vehicle. From a technical standpoint, the Tacoma is a typical pickup truck - a ladder frame heavily utilizing high-strength and ultra-high-strength steels, double-wishbone independent suspension with stabilizer bars at the front, and dependent leaf-spring architecture at the rear. The car is equipped with a gear-rack steering mechanism with a hydraulic booster. On the front and rear wheels of the mid-size "truck" ventilated "pancakes" and drum devices are used, respectively, with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist. Indeed, the car is all packed up and ready to go. Pickups are very popular among US citizens, thus, it is safe to say that Toyota has definitely made a good option to distribute the cars there. But aside from all the new fancy technologies and features, there is one little thing that remains unnoticed by many Toyota drivers. Well, at least to a certain point. The catalytic converter or so-called catalyst is built into the vehicle and serves as a filter for emissions. But is it really that important to have a catalyst?

The importance of Toyota Tacoma catalyst

Cars emit a huge amount of harmful substances into the atmosphere. They have a tremendous impact on flora and fauna and, according to ecologists, are the main cause of the greenhouse effect. And driving a car without a catalytic converter is not simply comfortable but also dangerous and against the law. However, most of the time, the first thing that a driver will notice is the bad smell from the exhaust pipe that will follow anyone and everywhere. Even forty years ago, engineers began to implement a device that could reduce the amount of harmful emissions. This is a catalytic converter. Nowadays, absolutely all cars are equipped with it.

What is the catalytic converter of Toyota Tacoma?

The catalyst is part of the exhaust system and is usually installed immediately after the engine exhaust manifold. Outside, it differs little from the usual muffler. But the most interesting and precious things are obviously hidden inside. Namely a special ceramic block with a content reminiscent of a small honeycomb. The system that does all the dirty work inside of a catalyst is coated with a thin layer of precious metals. Most of the time, it is platinum. Less commonly, palladium or rhodium. Sometimes, car manufacturers can use gold inside of a Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter, but it does not happen often. Anyway, this is the catalytic layer, due to which the exhaust gases burn out and get rid of harmful elements. The elements are not so different either. It can be carbon monoxide, benzopyrene, sulfur dioxide, hydrocarbons and soot. They are extremely dangerous to the environment and can cause many issues, including acid rains, skin cancer and others.

A used Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter cost and reasons behind the prices

On average, the Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter can run for about sixty thousand miles. Over time, hydrocarbon deposits are spread all across the walls of the honeycomb, and the exhaust gases find it difficult to ‘escape’ the catalyst. Experienced drivers can easily notice the horsepower reduction. It almost feels like the engine cannot ‘breather’ fluently. However, it does not happen suddenly. The catalyst is not immediately clogged, it is a gradual process that takes time and different factors for the catalyst to go bad. It can be anything, starting from a low-quality fuel, ending up with a direct hit or any other mechanical damage. Therefore, the actual time for a replacement is rather difficult to understand. However, there are certain rules applied when it comes to replacement. And some of the car drivers find it better to install a used catalytic converter instead of buying a completely new device.

Current scrap Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter prices and values

The modern world of the catalytic converter business can attract a lot of newcomers. People are trying to get their hands on a used catalytic converter because of the precious metals mentioned previously. Speaking about installing a used device over a broken catalyst can be profitable in many different ways. The first and the biggest factor is the price. A factory new catalyst for Toyota Tacoma can be priced at ridiculous numbers. A used catalyst can run for another twenty thousand miles easily. It all depends on its quality and amount of metals that are left inside. However, it is not only attractive because it can work more than intended. In fact, used catalytic converters are extremely profitable for recycling companies. Toyota Tacoma catalytic converter recycling prices can vary in different regions, but on average, for a fairly cheap deal recycling companies can extract the metals and use them to re-sell the catalyst as a factory new one. Thus, they often buy them in bulk. Single trades can be made in a local repair shop or at the scrap yard.