I got a call from the dealer that does my servicing, and it appears as though the "check engine" light that I keep clearing (Code: p0430- catalyst efficiency below threshold - bank 2) is the catalytic converter telling me that it's time for a replacement. The service advisor told me that on my car the whole head pipe assembly would have to be replaced (apparently, they didn't plan on people driving these things 140k miles) at a cost of about $1600 (parts+labor). I told him to put that part on hold and just bill me for the diagnostics.
My question for the group: What (if any) are my options? (besides just forking over the cash) Are there any other sources for these parts besides the junkyard and dealer, such as performance shops, etc? If I wanted to depart from "stock" parts on my car and start looking into customizing it, what are the pitfalls?
The bottom line is that I'm not ready to get rid of this car. As far as I know, this is the only problem it has. I have taken extremely good care of the mechanical parts of the car (engine, trans, brakes, etc.), although I have let its exterior degrade a bit (it needs to be waxed and carpets cleaned bad).
Any words of wisdom would be appreciated-