rn7532

I am a fairly new Subaru owner and so this is all rather new. Bear with me . I have a 1999 Forester with almost 100,000 miles on it. The CEL came on about a month ago. I took it to the nearest Subaru dealer who told me that the catalytic converter (cc) needs to be replaced. Their quote: $985 + tax. I am currently doing volunteer work in New Orleans, so this seems like a lot to me! Sadly my Wynns extended care plan does not cover the cc. Subaru reset the CEL, but it came back on after a few ignition cycles. I then took the car to Meineke they connected an OBD sensor and code 420 came up, which I understand indicates cc issues. He was unable to find a genuine part through his usual sources and so couldn't help. Though, he did stress that I find a genuine cc and not a generic one. He kindly reset the CEL. I have looked at the various auto parts web sites and found the front and back parts of the cc for around $325 each, for a total of $650. I guess both parts need to be replaced. Are these likely to be genuine parts? Why are the models for California cheaper? The car was bought there new. Should I order these parts and take them to my local mechanic or the Mieneke guy to fit? I have read postings from others discussing O2 sensors etc. Would these need replacing as well? Or would the Subaru dealer be my best bet? Like anyone, I want to do this in the most cost effective way possible. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Ronald