wchapin

How annoying. I had lunch with my family and parked in a parking garage next to the restaurant. I come back out, and start the suv, and **boom**...sounded like the GX was going to explode. I took it into the Lexus dealer and I didn't even get out of my GX when the service guy said "your catalytic converter got stolen". Then it hit me. He said they had 3 calls over the weekend of people that got his in my area.

Obviously it isn't Lexus's fault that my CC got stolen, but a few days later and I'm feeling disappointed in Lexus for not figuring out some deterrent to this kind of thing. I have heard of stuff like this going on years ago. Reading online, it seems to be prevelant in Toyota brands.

A $1700 fix, and the insurance company is coming out today to inspect it before the dealer gets into it.

I'm looking at installing a Catclamp (catclamp.com) - anyone use this? I think I'm a sitting duck without it. I'd appreciate some input on this deterrent system.

Koz

I would love to have a custom make stainless exhaust made (with high flow cats) and install for that money!

Koz

patgilm

That is crazy, I have never heard of someone stealing the catalytic converters. What is the reason, are they worth a lot of money?

Koz

Big bucks; they also steal air bags and spare tires!

Koz

SCMODS

Sorry that happened to you. Had never even given this a thought before. Google "catalytic converter theft" and there's a ton of info. This article claims Toyota products are especially prime due to easy access and bolt on vs welded. http://www.kcra.com/r/30191345/detail.html

T4Fun

boom is right. bummer. did you drive to the dealer with earplugs? hopefully the sound of the exhaust didnt damage/rattle loose any parts on the gx

thats very interesting. on the 4runner forum i read the CC is tucked under some metal parts making it difficult for thieves to take it out..why the gx would be any different i have no clue. one would think lexus cc is more "tucked in"..
yeah the CC goes for big bucks. you see the price above...your insurance should cover it minus the comp if you have comp.

RandomTech

Most thieves use a sawz-all.

It's probably never going to happen to you again. Buy new cats and lower the car (if you have height control) when you park it.

(last part was a joke)

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Catalytic converters got Platinum material in them. That's why they steal them. It's worth some money. Here in California happens alot, especially high vechiles such as SUV and trucks.

MWalker

Same thing happened to my GFs 4 Runner. They are not worth that much, about $70 at a salvage yard..

She first went to the dealer and they quoted about $1500. Took it to a muffler/exhaust shop that had done a Cat Back on my buddies Tundra, they welded a new one in, $200. When I ask the Dealership about the $1500, they said they would not weld anything, therefore they were going to replace the whole exhaust system, hence the $1500 - course they wanted the Ins to pay...

FWIW, never a single issue with the $200 welded in job...

T4Fun

cat clamp. if they can cut metal, i am sure the cat clamp wont help