Hello all,


I own a 2002 VW Golf with 115,000 miles and want to sell it since we’re moving overseas (probably will buy another VW there). Belt changed at 100,000 miles, brakes at 110,000, tires at 100,000. The car is in great overall condition.
However, the engine light is on, simply because the catalytic converter is running below efficiency. According to the mechanic, the only solution is to replace it with an OEM part (i.e. VW-branded) as others might be below the specs required and thus activate the engine light immediately. It’s a $700 part, plus labor.


Do you think it’s worth repairing it before selling it, or selling it as is while explaining the problem?
Edmunds gives me an approximate value of $4500, more likely $4000 with the issue not fixed. But what really matters is what buyers will think.

 

For value of the car, its $3000 - $4000, as a trade in it would get maybe $1500-2000. I just fixed the entire exhaust on mine, from the cat back. You can replace the cat by yourself its really easy, if you even need to.
A quick fix: Drive it down the highway for about two hours. Your cat shouldnt need to be replaced, I have 240 000 km on my golf, the cat is still in good shape. Also look for other problems that could be causing the engine light to turn on. Paying someone $800 to replace it, for something that may or may not solve a problem isn't worth it.

Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the reply.

I have another option, which is to buy the part online. The only converter I find for my car is the "Eastern" model, generally at $275. Do you know if it's the same converter as the original?

 

Ebay is amazing for stuff. I wouldn't buy anything thats european, I speak from personal experience, unless you're prepared to do some modification. call up all the local junk dealers, ask if they have any mk4 golfs and ask the get the cat from them. Alway barder them down.