I have an '03 Outback that needs a new caty and O2 sensors. I have had a detailed diagnostic run by two different places and this is the consensus. I'm being told both by Subaru and by my independent mechanic that I have to buy the new caty from Subaru because the computer in my car won't read a caty not made by Subaru. This sounds insane to me and I'm trying to figure out how NOT to spend $1500 to replace all this. Does anyone know of a less expensive caty and/or sensors that would work? And, am I right to think that parts not made by Subaru will work just fine?

Thanks

Federal Emmision Component warrantee says cats etc., are covered for 8 years, 80,000 miles, you beyond that?

 

Link:

 

http://www.epa.gov/obd/warranties.htm#b

 

read through and look for specified major components.

 

Also read down on repairs made outside of a Subaru facility.

 

Hope this helps.

Warranty replacement is the way to go, if your car still qualifies on millage.

 

If not, at http://www.Autohausaz.com, they are selling a Bosal cat, part number WO133-1842851 on sale for $366.44, that fits your 03. Their ad says that the Bosal unit replaces both the front and rear cats. Bosal is a good name in exhaust products, so I would trust their product. I am confident that it would perform well on your car.

 

I am with you, it is insanity to spend $1,500 on a dealer cat. Lots of profit in that high figure.

subarupartsforyou.com lists the OE cat at $800 (discounted), and an un-named aftermarket for $500.

 

I'm in a similar boat. I'm considering getting a used cat with less than 80k, maybe I'll get lucky. I'm not 100% sure, but any 00-04 2.5L (4cyl, non-turbo) cat should fit, including legacy, outback, and impreza...

Link for cats:

 

http://www.car-stuff.com/store/?N=9190&Nr=OR(AND(make:Subaru,model:Outback,year:2003),AND(universal:1))&Vi=11745+4294962660+1719&y=2003&mk=Subaru&md=Outback

[...] If not, at www.Autohausaz.com, they are selling a Bosal cat, part number WO133-1842851 on sale for $366.44, that fits your 03. Their ad says that the Bosal unit replaces both the front and rear cats. Bosal is a good name in exhaust products, so I would trust their product. I am confident that it would perform well on your car.[...]

 

Back in 2003, Subaru was saying Bosal = OEM. See bottom of page 19 (not marked in PDF, but between 18 and 20 ) of http://www.endwrench.com/current/winter02-03/EngineRepair.pdf .