Live data from Hacker News

Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

bloomberg.com

21–30 of 87 posts

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#21
post #2

This would explain the recent increase in catalytic converter thefts https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49767195

In Oakland, where I live, thieves have been targeting old generation 2 Priuses most often. I finally got my 2005 updated for the modern world with a CarPlay stereo and backup camera, and now I have to worry about it getting hacked apart by one of these scumbags in the middle of the night, as happened to my neighbor. They just saw the cat off with a sawzall. The cost of fixing the car afterwards is maybe 10 times the amount of cash the thieves get for the metal, and often more than the car is worth. It’s killing safe low pollution cars that still have years of life in them. Before this all we had to worry about was the hybrid battery failing every 100,000 miles or so.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#22
post #21
post #2

This would explain the recent increase in catalytic converter thefts https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49767195

In Oakland, where I live, thieves have been targeting old generation 2 Priuses most often. I finally got my 2005 updated for the modern world with a CarPlay stereo and backup camera, and now I have to worry about it getting hacked apart by one of these scumbags in the middle of the night, as happened to my neighbor. They just saw the cat off with a sawzall. The cost of fixing the car afterwards is maybe 10 times the…

Just turn your head when you back out lol

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I cut mine out of my trucks and put a straight pipe in. Sold them myself. Only able to do that in a state that doesn't regulate citizens to poverty.

How exactly does cutting the catalytic converter out of your truck keep you out of poverty?

I don't agree with his sentiment, but some people find it unfair that California basically requires every car sold in the US to come with a $1000 part to control pollution. The argument is that California regulations shouldn't set the price of cars in Mississippi.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#24
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

i have a lifted truck but i'm cheap so i just wrapped a length of chain around the cat, secured with shitty padlocks i had laying around. doesn't actually have to be secure, just look like enough of a PITA to remove that the thief moves on.

I cut mine out of my trucks and put a straight pipe in. Sold them myself. Only able to do that in a state that doesn't regulate citizens to poverty.

It is, however, a federal crime.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#25

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How exactly does cutting the catalytic converter out of your truck keep you out of poverty?

I don't agree with his sentiment, but some people find it unfair that California basically requires every car sold in the US to come with a $1000 part to control pollution. The argument is that California regulations shouldn't set the price of cars in Mississippi.

I am quite literally astonished to learn today that there is any first world country where catalytic converters are not required equipment.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How exactly does cutting the catalytic converter out of your truck keep you out of poverty?

I don't agree with his sentiment, but some people find it unfair that California basically requires every car sold in the US to come with a $1000 part to control pollution. The argument is that California regulations shouldn't set the price of cars in Mississippi.

I can’t believe people are stupid enough to think california regulations set the price of cars in other states, because they literally don’t.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#27

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I cut mine out of my trucks and put a straight pipe in. Sold them myself. Only able to do that in a state that doesn't regulate citizens to poverty.

Pretty dick move to pollute and make your exhaust annoyingly louder. You should really reconsider. Context: I did this, and it was stupid as hell. I could smell and taste my exhaust at stop lights.

> I could smell and taste my exhaust at stop lights.

I'm sure his estate sale will probably discount his truck when it's sold.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#28
post #21
post #2

This would explain the recent increase in catalytic converter thefts https://www.bbc.com/news/business-49767195

In Oakland, where I live, thieves have been targeting old generation 2 Priuses most often. I finally got my 2005 updated for the modern world with a CarPlay stereo and backup camera, and now I have to worry about it getting hacked apart by one of these scumbags in the middle of the night, as happened to my neighbor. They just saw the cat off with a sawzall. The cost of fixing the car afterwards is maybe 10 times the…

Go to a local mechanic, and have a protective plate bolted on. The thieves carry just enough tools to cut a catalyst off a typical car. If yours isn't typical, they won't bother with it.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#29

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I don't agree with his sentiment, but some people find it unfair that California basically requires every car sold in the US to come with a $1000 part to control pollution. The argument is that California regulations shouldn't set the price of cars in Mississippi.

I can’t believe people are stupid enough to think california regulations set the price of cars in other states, because they literally don’t.

They do, because of market size effects and standardization.

Automakers, textbook writers, etc cater to the largest state they serve (or the lowest common of several large markets), then distribute the same version to multiple locations.

In the case of cars, which have to adhere to California regulations to be sold in California, that can drive up the price in other markets due to expensive parts required for compliance and auto-manufacturers standardizing.

It’s also more constructive to explain why people are wrong (eg, why you think car regulations one place can’t impact the price in others) than just call them stupid.

Re: Why Palladium Is Suddenly a More Precious Metal

#30
post #9

Earlier quoted context omitted.

i have a lifted truck but i'm cheap so i just wrapped a length of chain around the cat, secured with shitty padlocks i had laying around. doesn't actually have to be secure, just look like enough of a PITA to remove that the thief moves on.

I cut mine out of my trucks and put a straight pipe in. Sold them myself. Only able to do that in a state that doesn't regulate citizens to poverty.

So rather than waiting for someone to steal it.....you stole it yourself?
Post reply on HN