I recently purchased a used 2004 Mazda Tribute ES with 110,000 miles on it. The check engine light came on while I was on my way out of town an hour away from home. On my way home the suv started to sputter when I applied gas. By then it had been running for 1hr 30mins. The sputtering got worse and one point the check engine light started blinking. I pulled over and had it towed home. It sat in the driveway for 2 days and then I drove it 10mins to my local shop in which the whole way there not one issue other than the check engine light being on. They ran the codes and called me saying that both converters needed replaced. I drove it back home with no issue at all.

I called around for quotes only shop would do it said well over $3k to fix it. The dealership said parts alone would be $5k.

My questions are...
1. Would replacing the coils and spark plugs possibly fix the issue?
2. Can I put a whole new after market exhaust system on it would that fix the issue?

I know nothing about cars. I'm looking for advice

Thanks.

 

I'm over here so over there should be cheaper , do a search on ebay and it'll show Cats (converters) are around $500 a pair, dealerships are way over the top and always have been , try Rock Auto also just for comparisons .

A full exhaust might be easier for you , but if you can find a honest exhaust mob go with them , btw its obvious there will be "fitting costs" involved so that'l be extra , maybe someone over there can recommend someone , good luck .

added- btw it the cats are crook there is no way around it except new ones .