Hello,
I recently purchased a 04 Civic Ex with 164,000 miles. I got the CEL the other day, and found out that the catalytic converter has gone bad. My local shop quoted the replacement at $700. That's quite far out of the budget. I thought about straight piping the car, but the converter is part of the exhaust manifold. Anyone have a cheap solution, without much DIY?
Thanks

 

It may just be the O2 unit. Cheap and easy! Check the wires.

 

Have another shop check it out to be sure it' s the catalytic converter. If it is, the pipe and converter (one piece) is available at Rockauto for about $200. It's a very easy replacement, just a few bolts, no welding involved. You can do it yourself on jackstands.
Duane