RX400H Catalytic converter theft

[Fola]

My catalytic converter was stolen some days ago, I have decided to leave it until I can find the best solution for it. Someone please help with the right decision as I am confused:

1. I reckon fixing a Lexus recommended option will be too expensive and even at that, I am aware it will still be stolen again even with Lexus recommended CATLOCS or CATGUARDS

2. After market options are way cheaper, do I risk another theft or the scum bags only go after manufacturers options

3. How about running it directly (without the CAT), what risk does this pose and will my car pass MOT.

 

Thanks 

[ColinBarber]

I assume it was the cat under the vehicle that was stolen?

If so I'd run without. The two main cats are in the engine bay which when fully up to temperature will mean your engine would pass emissions, however hybrids aren't even tested for emissions during an MOT.

 

If you do decide to get a replacement, worth getting a price for a genuine product. Toyota GB are meant to be selling cats at cost for owners who have had them stolen.

[steve2006]

Lexus price is around £1350.00 for the complete mid section including the cat, where are the other cats hidden Colin I can only see one?

[Lwerewolf]

https://lexus-europe.epc-data.com/rx400h/mhu38l/5162/engine/1701/?full

[Herbie]

I don't think that is a cat Steve as there's no oxygen sensor behind it:

I would imagine the cats are at the front:

[Lwerewolf]

Secondary cats are not monitored.

[Herbie]

29 minutes ago, Lwerewolf said:

Secondary cats are not monitored.

Every day a school day, cheers my friend.

[06_400_h_se]

Hi Fola, I went through this too. If you fit you a new cat, you need to garage your car. They know where you are now and they'll just come back. You may as well put an envelope with £500 outside your house. I went with a straight pipe in the end and it's running fine  and been through an MOT with a Lexus specialist in NW London. If you go this route, the other points are correct - you have manifold cats on each side of the engine up front and this is a secondary cat. And hybrids are not tested for emissions. There is a technical requirement though for the car to not me modified to pass MOT, but this doesn't seem to be enforced. What else can you do anyway? I think this is the right thing to do to prevent this crime going on.

[vrodman]

I'll second that - straight pipe is the way to go. I take my car to my local Toyota dealer for servicing and they told me that they have had about 20-30 cat thefts from Toyotas, mostly Prius's but also Auris.... and I live over 200 miles away from London ! 

I preempted my theft and had the cat removed before some thief took it - it's now on my garage shelf and can be re-fitted in a few minutes if required...