Hey FitFreaks.

There have been a rash of Catalytic Converters being stolen off Prius’ all over Los Angeles. Apparently there some valuable metals inside the converter. They say the way the Prius was designed makes it very easy for thieves to crawl under and cut them off. It can be done in a matter of minutes. One was stolen from a Prius on our block last week and the owners replacement cost really high.

I’ve heard that Honda Elements have been targeted too since they sit up high, but I haven’t heard anything about Fits.

Do you know if the Fit’s Catalytic Converter is very easy to access?

Thanks.

 

Not without jacking up the car. the Fit has so little ground clearance I have to put it on ramps to change a fog lamp bulb.


Of course, being so small, I guess they would just roll your Fit on its side.

 

That's been happening a while. The commuter lots in our regions are a big target. Some people have come back to find that their cars are on blocks and their rims stolen:

Sedan left on blocks at Horner Road commuter lot Potomac Local

Wheels stolen off vehicles parked in a Prince William County commuter lot | News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | WJLA

 

Well someone is making money off of the hysteria!

Welcome to CatClamp Catalytic Converter Lock Website

At $350 I wonder if this protection is a very good bet?

If I were a thief, I'd be looking at big SUVs, easier to get under and larger and more numerous catalytic converters. Fits wouldn't be on my radar.

On the other hand, among Civic Boy Racers, Fit alloys are pretty popular right now.

 

What?! The Civic Boys don't want my Steelies?

 

There is a garage down the street that has started "caging" converters. I think they charge about $300.

 

Another reason why I bought an LX!

 

One of the issues I had to fix when I bought my fit was having a saw cut right ahead of the cat repaired, someone had tried to steal it while it was parked, the shop told me the thieves use a concrete block and a 2x6 as a lever. They steal them from the garden dept. at Lowe's and Home Depot.

 

Someone stole the catalytic converter off my friend's Toyota SUV. It happened while the car was in a Park and Ride. The police said SUVs are easy to work under. Park and Rides give thieves an 8+ hour window to do their work.