How Much Is Your Catalytic Converter Worth in Singapore?

The single most valuable part of any end-of-life car is the catalytic converter — often worth more than the rest of the body combined. In Singapore, catalytic converter values vary widely: from about S$50 on older compact cars to S$500+ on European diesels and hybrids. Here’s how the value is determined.

The PGM Content

Cats contain three Platinum Group Metals embedded in a ceramic honeycomb:

• Platinum (Pt) — ~USD 1,000/oz, used in petrol cats
• Palladium (Pd) — ~USD 900/oz, main metal in petrol/hybrid cats
• Rhodium (Rh) — ~USD 5,000/oz, most valuable per gram; small amounts

A typical passenger-car cat holds 2-7 grams of combined PGMs. At current market prices, that’s SGD $80-400 in raw metal value.

What Drives Price Variation

• OEM vs aftermarket — OEM cats carry 2-4x the PGM loading of cheap aftermarket replacements. Aftermarket cats pay $30-80 typically; OEM $100-500.
• Vehicle type — Diesel cats, especially European models (BMW, Mercedes, VW), tend toward higher platinum/rhodium content. Hybrids (Prius, hybrid Lexus) have famously dense PGM loadings.
• Year — Post-2005 catalysts have denser PGM loadings as emission standards tightened.
• Condition — Gutted or damaged cats (honeycomb cracked/missing) lose most of their value.

Typical Singapore Cat Values

Rough ranges (April 2026, subject to PGM market):

• Older Japanese compact (Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic): S$50-120
• Mid-range saloon (Camry, Accord, Forte): S$100-180
• European diesel (BMW, Merc, VW): S$200-500
• Hybrid (Prius, Lexus hybrid): S$300-700
• Aftermarket replacement: S$30-80

How to Get a Firm Quote

1. Photograph the cat including any stamps or part numbers.
2. WhatsApp us with vehicle make/model/year.
3. We check the model’s typical PGM content and current market.
4. Firm quote on inspection at 170 Gul Circle.

See our catalytic converter scrap service page for the buying process, or our scrap car page if you’re scrapping the whole vehicle.

Ownership Documentation

Because catalytic converter theft is a global issue, all Singapore licensed dealers verify ownership — you’ll need NRIC plus workshop invoice or vehicle log card. Buyers who don’t check this are operating outside NEA guidelines. Something to watch for.