What to do about the cat?

[LeepV2]

Back into ownership of a '5, and have become very aware of the stories of cat theft, when an OEM one is fitted. Was never a concern when we last owned one, and hasn't been for our other cars. Is the Mazda OEM cat especially valuable?

Not sure whether to just go with it, and take the risk, or replace with an aftermarket, along with the back box for a visual hint that the cat has been changed, with a view that we don't get an attempt at butchery.

Any thoughts?

Edited by LeepV2 on Wednesday 19th April 11:31

[VladD]

I don't know how common theft is, but you can take measures to try and stop the cat being stolen, like this



If the guys who nick them looks to see what's there before jacking the car up and firing up the angle grinder, then that may work. I think when they're stolen it only takes a couple of minutes, so a guard could be enough to put them off.

[SAS Tom]

I sold mine in 2020 for £650. A few months later they were up to £800. Don’t know what it’s like now but for me selling the cat paid for a full stainless system. No brainer really.

Edited by SAS Tom on Wednesday 19th April 16:07

Edited by SAS Tom on Wednesday 19th April 16:07

[T40ORA]

VladD said:

I don't know how common theft is, but you can take measures to try and stop the cat being stolen, like this



If the guys who nick them looks to see what's there before jacking the car up and firing up the angle grinder, then that may work. I think when they're stolen it only takes a couple of minutes, so a guard could be enough to put them off.

I'm worried that this might not initially deter them, and they just cause more damage.

Bloody ridiculous thing to have to worry about!

[T40ORA]

SAS Tom said:

I sold mine in 2020 for £650. A few months later they were up to £800. Don’t know what it’s like now but for me selling the car paid for a full stainless system. No brainier really.

Blimey, no brainer indeed. Where/how did you sell yours?

[Nickp82]

The earlier MX-5s (mainly mk2 I think) have the valuable cats, mk3 onwards are pretty low in value.

Cat prices have taken a dive of late so the ones that were worth £800 are more like £350. hopefully it’ll mean less thefts but I don’t know how the trade of being a scrote works exactly.

[T40ORA]

Nickp82 said:

The earlier MX-5s (mainly mk2 I think) have the valuable cats, mk3 onwards are pretty low in value.

Cat prices have taken a dive of late so the ones that were worth £800 are more like £350. hopefully it’ll mean less thefts but I don’t know how the trade of being a scrote works exactly.

In a sad coincidence, someone in my village had their cat sawn off last night. Not sure what car it was, but it is still happening - and this is a quiet place, in East Dorset.

[MorganFoth]

I got a 2004 MX-5, never toyed with the idea of removing the cat, but if i could get £650+ for it, would pay for whole new system plus sports cat...

Who and Where buys them? I'm in Surrey

[T40ORA]

MorganFoth said:

I got a 2004 MX-5, never toyed with the idea of removing the cat, but if i could get £650+ for it, would pay for whole new system plus sports cat...

Who and Where buys them? I'm in Surrey

I'm just trying to find that out, by searching the net. Couple of places have popped up already, but they need further checking. And seem to want the serial number.

[Belle427]

They want the serial number to confirm its an oe cat which are obviously more valuable.
Most metal recycling places buy them.