'01 Outback Cat. replacement

[crustodd1]

Hey Folks,

New to the board, but on my second Subaru. I had n '88 Justy that I put about 100K HARD miles on (great car) and now I have an '01 Outback wagon.

 

My check engine light came on today and I found out the catalytic converter is on it's way out. The car has 137K on it, I bought it as a one-owner that had been well maintained.

 

Is this an average time for the cat. to need replacement? Is it going to kill the O2 sensor if I don't fix it immediately?

 

Does the replacement have to be the VERY expensive one MIDAS (ironic, it's priced like gold, HAHA!) quoted me?

 

What brands are acceptable? Anyone have a good link to buy one? Low mile used OK?

 

Thanks for ALL and ANY help

 

crustodd1

[johnceggleston]

the cats on these cars rarely fail .

 

what code did you get?

 

p0420 is usually corrected by a new subaru o2 sensor.

 

don't spend any money until you have finished your research.

[mattocs]

If it is a cat, look into the trick of using an anti fouler on the rear O2 sensor.

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=107052

 

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=107476

 

Good luck!

[crustodd1]

Thanks for the replies.

If it is the cat, won't the break down of it result in a plugged muffler?

[bstone]

Remember, only use Subaru O2 sensors. The aftermarkets just suck. Cool?

[johnceggleston]

you are in a no lose situation. if it is the cats, you are not going to put 11 year old o2 sensors back into new cats. that is just dumb.

 

so replace the o2 sensors now. if it fixes the problem , great. you don't have to spend $$$ on cats.

 

if it does not fix the problem ..... replace the cats and re-use the almost new o2 sensors.

 

i think it is the front o2 that you want to replace but i'm not sure.

 

little help, please.