My original point in the title of this thread was how great it would be if someone could invent a device that could work as effectively w/o use of these exorbitantly priced rare metals. Before anyone says just buy an EV, I'd like to keep it focused on ICE vehicles.
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I maybe wrong but I believe not all cats have got exotic materials in them. I used to have a 2007 Mk2 Focus ST - the one with the 2.5 volvo 5 cylinder engine, and I replaced the original cat with a sports cat. Thought I might get a fair bit for the original but was only offered £20 when I took it to the scrappy. Decided not to take the offer and did a bit of research and found it was worth fuck all. Sold it on ebay for £50.