Pontiac catalytic converters run about $50 to $300 for one original unit in 2026. G8 and GTO units lead at $100 to $300, Bonneville, Grand Prix and Firebird units bring $75 to $250, G6, Grand Am, Sunfire and Vibe units $75 to $200, and older compact units $50 to $175. An aftermarket replacement brings $5 to $50.
Why originality is the whole question
Pontiac stopped building cars in 2010, so every vehicle in the range is now at least fifteen years old and most are older. That age matters less for the metal than for the history.
Exhausts get repaired. Over fifteen or twenty years a great many of these cars have had a converter replaced with a cheap universal unit, and the difference at the scale is enormous: an original G6 converter is worth roughly $100 to $180 by common valuation, while the aftermarket shell that replaced it is worth $5 to $50.
So before comparing models or hunting for the best buyer, settle the more basic question. The five checks below are what recyclers themselves use.
Pontiac catalytic converter scrap prices by model
Model Years Notes Indicative range (USD) Measurement Model years covered What sets the unit apart Buyer quotes for one complete unit, honeycomb intact G8 and GTO (Holden-built V8) 2004 to 2009 Two units; Holden Commodore and Monaro hardware $100 to $300 Bonneville, Grand Prix, Firebird 1985 to 2010 V6 and V8; two units on most years $75 to $250 Torrent and Aztek 2001 to 2009 Crossover; Equinox and Rendezvous references $75 to $225 Montana and Trans Sport (V6) 1990 to 2009 V6 van, often two units $75 to $225 G6, Grand Am and Sunfire 1992 to 2010 The volume Pontiac units $75 to $200 Vibe (Toyota Matrix twin) 2003 to 2010 Built alongside the Matrix; Toyota hardware $75 to $200 Sunbird, LeMans, J2000 and Ventura 1970 to 1994 Older compact range $50 to $175 Manifold pre-cat, any model Various Small unit close to the engine $20 to $100 Aftermarket replacement, any model All years Light, thin-walled, welded in; trace metal $5 to $50
Ranges are compiled from published core-buyer class lists, catalyst exchange transaction data and current scrap guides; they are not a live per-code feed. Figures are per unit, and V6 and V8 models generally carry two.
The five checks
Run these in order. They take about five minutes with a torch.
One: the logo. An original unit carries a manufacturer mark, and on these cars that means a GM, Pontiac or Chevrolet logo on the shell or heat shield. No logo anywhere is the first warning sign.
Two: the serial number. Original Pontiac converters carry a stamped serial that identifies the specific unit. That number is what a buyer prices from, so photograph it. A shell with no number at all is almost certainly aftermarket.
Three: welding marks. This is the check most people miss. Factory converters are integrated into the exhaust pipe, so there should be no weld tracks in the pipe either side of the unit. Fresh or crude welding means somebody cut the original out and fitted a replacement.
Four: weight. An original is heavy. Aftermarket units are noticeably light, because there is far less inside them. If you can lift it easily with one hand and it feels hollow, that tells you a great deal.
Five: shell thickness. Factory shells are made of relatively thick metal. Thin, flimsy casing that flexes under pressure points to a cheap replacement.
Pass all five and the table figures apply. Fail three or more and you are holding a $5 to $50 item, and it is better to know that before negotiating than after.
Where to look
Get under the car and find the exhaust pipe, then work forward toward the engine rather than back toward the tailpipe.
The converter is the first substantial component after the exhaust manifold. It will usually be covered by a stainless heat screen, which is worth leaving in place since markings are often on it.
On V6 and V8 models there are generally two, one per bank, so having found one, keep looking. A quote covering a single unit on a two-unit car is a quote for half the vehicle.
What a twenty dollar offer really means
Sellers on this brand report offers as low as $20, and the reason is worth understanding because it is usually not about the metal.
A converter without documentation is a converter a legitimate buyer cannot handle comfortably. Most jurisdictions now require proof of ownership and photo identification for a converter sale, and a unit offered without either invites a price that reflects the buyer's risk rather than the part's content.
So if you are being offered $20 for something the table above values at $150, check three things before assuming the buyer is dishonest. Can you show you own the vehicle it came from? Is the unit original by the five checks? And are you talking to a converter specialist or a general yard? Fixing those usually fixes the offer.
One part, four badges
Pontiac converters are not Pontiac-specific, which protects you from a badge-based discount if you know it.
Catalyst databases list single references across long strings of General Motors vehicles. One such reference covers a Pontiac Grand Am alongside a Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Venture, Malibu and Impala, a Buick Rendezvous and an Oldsmobile Alero and Intrigue. Four badges, one part.
The units are graded on the GM class list like any other domestic hardware, and the Buick and Chevrolet figures are fair cross-checks.
The two outliers
Two Pontiacs are not really Pontiacs underneath, and both are worth flagging.
The Vibe was built alongside the Toyota Matrix and shares its engineering, so the Toyota figures are the useful comparison rather than the GM ones.
The GTO and G8 were built by Holden in Australia, on Monaro and Commodore underpinnings. They carry the largest units in the range at $100 to $300 each, and two per car.
Pontiac prices around the world
Platinum, palladium and rhodium settle in US dollars, so a Pontiac reference holds the same metal value in every market. Currency and local buyer depth are what change. The table converts the Pontiac span into each market's money at today's rate.
Market Currency Unit Equivalent range United States USD per unit $50.00 to 300.00 United Kingdom GBP per unit £36.99 to 221.92 Canada CAD per unit C$69.15 to 414.92 Australia AUD per unit A$69.38 to 416.30 Germany EUR per unit €43.05 to 258.32 India INR per unit ₹4,727 to 28,364 Bangladesh BDT per unit ৳6,146 to 36,878 United Arab Emirates AED per unit AED183.63 to 1,102 Saudi Arabia SAR per unit SAR187.50 to 1,125 Turkey TRY per unit ₺2,423 to 14,538 South Africa ZAR per unit R797.87 to 4,787 China CNY per unit CN¥335.97 to 2,016
These conversions are the metal-value anchor rather than a local quote. Pontiac sold almost entirely in North America, so nearly every reader here is working the US column.
Questions people actually ask
How much is a Pontiac catalytic converter worth as scrap?
Between roughly $50 and $300 for one original unit in 2026. Older compact units bring $50 to $175, G6, Grand Am, Sunfire and Vibe units $75 to $200, Torrent, Aztek and Montana units $75 to $225, Bonneville, Grand Prix and Firebird units $75 to $250, and G8 and GTO units $100 to $300.
How do I know if my Pontiac converter is original?
Five checks. It should carry a GM, Pontiac or Chevrolet logo, a stamped serial number, no weld marks in the pipe either side since factory units are integrated into the pipe, noticeable weight, and a relatively thick shell. Failing several of those points to an aftermarket unit worth $5 to $50.
Where is the catalytic converter on a Pontiac G6?
Under the car, working forward toward the engine rather than back toward the tailpipe. It is the first substantial component after the exhaust manifold, usually covered by a stainless heat screen that is best left in place because markings are often on it.
Why was I only offered twenty dollars?
Usually documentation rather than metal. Most jurisdictions require proof of ownership and photo identification for converter sales, and a unit offered without either draws a price reflecting the buyer's risk. Check ownership, originality and whether you are dealing with a specialist before assuming the offer is unfair.
Is a Pontiac Vibe converter the same as a Toyota Matrix one?
Effectively yes. The Vibe was built alongside the Matrix and shares its engineering, so Toyota figures are the better comparison than the GM domestic grades that apply to the rest of the Pontiac range.
Figures on this page are indicative buyer ranges for complete, uncut original units and are not offers to buy. Converter types, codes and selling rules are covered on the main catalytic converter price page.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Pontiac catalytic converter worth as scrap?
Between roughly $50 and $300 for one original unit in 2026. Older compact units bring $50 to $175, G6, Grand Am, Sunfire and Vibe units $75 to $200, Torrent, Aztek and Montana units $75 to $225, Bonneville, Grand Prix and Firebird units $75 to $250, and G8 and GTO units $100 to $300.
How can I tell whether a Pontiac catalytic converter is original?
Five checks: a GM, Pontiac or Chevrolet logo on the shell or heat shield, a stamped serial number, no weld marks in the pipe either side since factory units are integrated into the pipe, real weight in the hand, and a relatively thick shell. Failing several points to an aftermarket unit worth $5 to $50.
Where is the catalytic converter on a Pontiac G6?
Under the car, working forward toward the engine rather than back toward the tailpipe. It is the first substantial component after the exhaust manifold and is usually covered by a stainless heat screen, which is best left in place because markings are often on it.
Why was I only offered twenty dollars for a Pontiac converter?
Usually because of documentation rather than metal content. Most jurisdictions require proof of ownership and photo identification for converter sales, and a unit offered without either draws a price reflecting the buyer's risk. Check ownership, originality and whether the buyer is a specialist.
Is a Pontiac Vibe converter the same as a Toyota Matrix one?
Effectively yes. The Vibe was built alongside the Toyota Matrix and shares its engineering, so Toyota comparisons are more useful than the GM domestic grades that apply to the rest of the Pontiac range.
Do Pontiac converters share references with other GM brands?
Yes. One catalogued reference covers a Pontiac Grand Am alongside Chevrolet Monte Carlo, Venture, Malibu and Impala models, a Buick Rendezvous and an Oldsmobile Alero and Intrigue. Quote the stamped number rather than the badge.