1998 civic LX needs a new cat converter
 

I bought this car a year ago with the engine light on. I had it checked out, they told me "O2 sensor or cat converter, but it'll drive fine", which is has, but I have an emissions test creeping up so I took it in to get it fixed. What started off as a $200 estimate with an aftermarket converter has suddenly jumped up to ~$1000 because I'm told that the cat converter is integrated into the exhaust manifold that the whole thing needs replacing. Apparently the mechanic found someone that may be able to get just header pipe for the system, but the part alone would still cost me $750. The car just turned over 200k, so I expect at least another 100k out of it, based on what I hear about civics.

Does anyone have any opinions on this breakdown, or advice on where I might go to get some cheaper parts to take in myself? (I'm in Ontario, Canada)

Thanks

Try calling a scrap yard. See what they have maby you can find one of a smacked up car. probibly 140 bucks. Worth a a try