There's been an alarming number of reports from people having the catalytic converters stolen on their vehicle. This has been reported across the country. The crooks are targeting SUV's (particularly the Toyota Highlanders and trucks) or vehicles with high clearance off the ground.

The lexus RX300 cats... how are they secured? Can they be welded in? Anyone affected by this?

 

They are secure by themselves, but the piping of the entire exhaust system is held in by a few joints and 14mm bolts (but from experience working on this exhaust system, even that is not easy to play around with). I guess if somebody really wanted to take the time they could do this, but I wouldn't expect one to do this with our vehicles, but rather focus on newer vehicles that have newer cats. This definitely not a "hot wire" like stealing a car.

I wouldn't worry about our RX300s given their age.

 

I just purchased a 2003 RX yesterday and one of the dealerships we looked at had cats stolen from all the RX's on the lot last week. There were about ten 1999 - 2002 RX's the cats were taken from. This was in Minneapolis.

 

Wow! I just googled "catalytic converter stolen" and couldn't believe what I was seeing. The very first response is: http://www.topix.com/forum/city/redw...QUTIGUCQU05FSV

Then I went to YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tejQtevAB8M

Then, I went for the fix: http://www.catclamp.com/

Looks like a cordless saw and it's off in a minute.

 

The only persons who loves thieves that steal OEM cats is Lexmex or me Federal law prevents someone to sell used cat so the only way to get $ from used cat is to have someone to steal it.
I would love to have my auto insurance company to cut a re-imbursement check and use the $ to buy hi flow cat with bigger pipes.

 

they are after the "precious metal".

As all owners band together and only buy used product after verifying the item is not "hot", we can kill that market. HID lights come to my mind.

Salim

 

In the end of the day, it doesn't make much sense to buy a used cat. There are aftermarket alternatives on the market that perform better than OEM such as Magnaflows and cost under $100 USD.

 

Is there any way to prevent thieves from stealing the cat?

 

Suvs have lot more ground clearance and that gives easy access. With cordless saws, the quick grab is easy.

Dont park for long time in unattended areas [long time ... exhaust is cold]
Buy insurance
By buying from legit sources, we can make a dent. [unfortunately the incentive is to melt theses]

Salim

 

Yea, my neighbor had both cats stolen off their Toyota Sequoia...Twice. Now for the first time their garage is cleaned out and they park inside...Their is some shield that can be installed to stop easy theft. The theives are using pipe cutters, very fast and easy on a Sequoia with lots of room to work....I think it is grounds for shooting.