Catalytic converter took a dump

09 base ex cab 2.7 auto 2wd 203k my mechanic tells me its time for a new converter. searching the web the complete bolt on unit ranges from 190$$-900$$ anyone had to replaced their catalytic converter yet, are their any decent units that wont break the bank$$ are the 200 dollar units complete trash....also was it easy to replace ? the flange bolts look pretty bad on mine rusted and such...the entire unit looks to be held by four bolts two front & rear.

 

There was a recall on the 2.7 cats. Had mine done in 2018 free of charge. Plug in your vin to see if you qualify - https://www.toyota.com/recall

 

Magnaflow can be worth checking out.

I've had good luck with their stuff on other trucks, Chevy /Ford Dodge Nissan etc. Usually fits good and comes with gaskets in the box

 

I have run the bosal replacement on my 2.7 and it worked good

 

This..mine was done in 2017-8 on my 2010

 

My ‘08 base std cab has 410,000 miles and still runs great. I recently had a check engine light come on so I took it to a mechanic and he read the code which was PO 420 and told me I needed a new catalytic converter and what it would cost to replace it.
I’m 70 and have had a number of vehicles and this was the first time I had ever seen a check engine light come on. I started doing my own research and bought me an OBD2 code reader. It did read PO 420 and it told me catalytic efficiency system but did not tell me bad catalytic converter.
I did more research and put added some fuel system cleaner in the gas tank along with premium fuel and drove my truck rather aggressively for a while. It never was running bad however I could tell it was idling smoother. The next time the check engine light came on I checked it again and got the same code.
After that tank of gas emptied out I added a can of Seafoam where I used Tekron the first time. It is running better now than it ever has since I’ve had it. I took my truck to another mechanic, who is now my friend, and explained all this to him. Before I mentioned the first mechanic I went to, he told me that 99% of the time when that code comes up trucks like mine it is NOT the catalytic converter. He mentioned some things it could possibly be though.
I’m not telling you,the original poster, what to do or that your catalytic converter doesn’t need replacing. I’m only suggesting that you see a couple other mechanics you can trust, if you can find any, and get their take as to what is going on. It might just save you some money. Research the code online and possibly other things you can do. Good luck!
One other quick note. Make sure your gas cap is secure/tightened down or that can cause the PO 420 to come on.

 

P0420 literally means catalyst efficiency below threshold...

Can't imagine how much money I'd lose if I went off of "my mechanic tells me" or "a mechanic tells me" rather than listening to the vehicle itself and hearing what it has to say directly (things like code scan)

sometimes cats wear out on their own
other times they're worn out by other causes like burning oil, excess fuel, etc