2004 Volvo V70 Catalytic Converter PO420
 

Would love anyone's opinion on my latest check engine code for a cat converter. I had to buy this latest Volvo of mine used after my 2004 Volvo V40 was totalled last September. It now has 110,000 miles on it and I just put $1,500.00 into it in November for all of the required maintenance, a software download for the transmission and broken rear doorlock. The car was driving well and out of the blue the dreaded cat converter code. My mechanic turned it off for me as the car was exhibiting no symptoms and told me to come back if it came back on - of course it did around 450 miles later. Still driving pretty well though but have decided to replace it as my emissions test is coming up in June. He is replacing it with an aftermarket cat that meets the OEM specifications for around $600.00 including labor and tax. Should I be worried or do these cars do pretty well with aftermarket cats? Do I need to replace oxygen sensors too? He said no. I just do not want anymore check engine codes - I hate those. This mechanic worked on my other Volvo and was always very fair. Any advice is appreciated.

$600 is a fair price for a cat replacement.

Just to follow up as I hope this is helpful to others. When I went to order my aftermarket cat from the mechanic who quoted me earlier he was unable to find one. His supplier said that Catco, Magnoflow and one other co I cannot remember do not make one to OEM specifications for my 2004 V70. He had been misinformed. Eastern makes one but they have a bad reputation and he will not use them. So then I got a quote on a Volvo one for nearly 1400 including tax. I was not happy. So I went to a Volvo specialist 45 minutes from my house who said they could fit a Catco on there as they have for around 15 other Volvos successfully. Of course when they looked at mine they discovered I already had an aftermarket cat and they had to put a DEC one on their that does meet the Volvo OEM specs. I ended up spending $1,100.00:( Then they told me about two rear tires that would need to be replaced, that my battery was weak, the lower control arm bushings are torn and that the right and left axle boots are slightly torn and leaking. Otherwise they said my car is great - ha ha!