LX, 2.3, 107k, Japan build. About twice a year, it throws a 0420 error code, which points at 02 sensors or cat failing. Usually after extended highway driving- almost never in around town use. (2nd car used mainly for road trips- only put about 4k a year on it.)
Dealer and a good independent mechanic say replacing cat is only solution, and both say it has to be an OEM cat to stop the error codes.
800 for cat, 150 for sensors (if the old ones are frozen in place), plus labor of $150 or so. Call it 1100. Independent mechanic recommended just keep doing what I was doing- pull fuse 13 to reset when it lights up, and don't worry about it. I only took it in because it re-lit less than 60 miles after being reset. No emission inspections here to worry about.I'm a little hesitant to drop $1100 on an 11 year old car with current book value of maybe $6000. Both mechanics say it won't hurt engine or MPG.
Suggestions? Ideas?