u/_areyoupositive_

I’m back.
Please refer to my last post made to this sub regarding my latestcar issues.

TLDR my 2020 Soul needed a new California catalytic converter. I’ve been quoted 4x all ranging from $4600-$5200.

What is needed, is the front catalytic converter. I was told there is two, and the front is simply not working as well as it should be. It is not clogged, nor completely at the point of non-drivable, but is just not working the way it is designed to.

The local muffler shop was so kind giving me another free diagnostic check & did research on getting a new cat in, however they’ve found that there is no off market cat for this car. Only Kia has it, and that is why the pricing has been about the same.

This car is 6 yrs old. My first asset, and I have 12k left on my loan….. the dealership is telling me it’s worth $5500. If I traded it in I’d have 2 car loans going. I’m not financially stable at the moment.

What should I do?

Edit: yes my state has emissions. yes I know I got screwed, this is my first car purchase, I’m bummed. Don’t tell me I’m screwed cuz I know I am lol
Second edit: no warranty anymore and no active recalls

My 2020 Kia Soul has caused me nothing but problems when I bought it new/used in 2023 at 70,000 miles.
For one, it absolutely BURNS through oil. I have to add a qt or 2, every two weeks and honestly sometimes it feels like more.
I am now at 117,000 miles and I couldn’t even tell you how many times this engine light has turned on & screwed me over. I’ve towed it a total of 3 times.
One time my engine light was blinking and it ended up needing servicing for issues pertaining the piston rings. One time was because the oil was critically low, even after I had checked and it had oil!
Recently it was towed due to jerking when driving- it was serviced and got a new gasket valve and cover.
One week later, the light is back on. I get the code read and the catalytic code pops up. I was instructed to add Seafoam to the gas tank and I did. Drove fine for 2 days and the engine light is back on.

Of course no warranty. Im not made of money. I’ve actually been struggling very bad where it’s check to check, gas or groceries. I’m so tired of this unbelievably unreliable “new to me” car. I hate this car.