I have a 1998 Honda Accord with 82,000 miles on it.  The check engine light came on about a week back.

I took it to a car shop yesterday to get it checked out.

I was told that they got back a code of P0420 and that I need a new catalytic converter and also need to replace the 2 oxygen sensors.  The total cost is around $1500.

I asked about using after-market parts and they recommended against it.

What do you think?  Do I really need to go for the Honda catalytic converter instead of an after-market part?

Too bad this didn't happen just a couple of months back, else it would have been covered under warranty.

I just finished 8 years on my car in October, and as I mentioned, I have 82,000 miles.  The warranty period is for 8 years/80,000 miles!!

Sameer Savla, sameersavla@yahoo.com