2001 MPV Catalytic Converter
 

Greetings.

I purchased a used 2001 Mazda MPV ES from a guy here in NY with 89,000 miles and after driving a few days the check engine light came on. The codes indicated a couple of oxygen sensors and P0421 for the cat (specifically, the "rear bank" cat)

Feel like an idiot, needless to say, for buying the car.

Dealer said $2500 for the whole fix, which is basically impossible now. I have studied the various posts on using a non fouler to eliminate the problem, but I have a few questions:

-This car runs strong, with the possible exception of first thing in the morning, when it seems sluggish. If the cat is dying and I use the non fouler to get the check engine light off, will the dying cat eventually wreck to car? I'd like the car to go for another 40,000 miles at least. As you may have guessed, I don't know too much about cars.

-Where is this sensor on the 2001 MPV? I have yet to jack the car up, but my initial exploration didn't show me a thing.

Anyway, I bought the Mazda partially because it is supposed to last. I'm terribly disappointed.

Can anyone help me out of a jam?


Thanks