Which cars to avoid in 2023 for your Turo fleet in Canada
7 min read
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In our last article we looked at which cars are most profitable to rent out on Turo. In this article we will turn the table and see which cars should maybe not be your first picks if you consider to grow your Turo fleet.
Catalytic converter thefts are on the raise in Canada
In 2020 there were 300 reported incidents of stolen catalytic converters and by 2021 this number went up to 1014. Between November 2020 and October 2021 there were 2484 thefts reported in Edmonton.
Catalytic converter thefts have been on the rise in Canada due to the high value of the precious metals inside the converters, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. These metals can be sold for a high price on the black market, making catalytic converter theft a profitable crime. Additionally, the ease of stealing catalytic converters, as they are typically located under a vehicle and can be removed quickly with the right tools, may also be a contributing factor to the increase in thefts.
Which cars are easy targets for catalytic converter thefts?
Certain types of vehicles are more likely to be targeted for catalytic converter thefts. These include:
SUVs and trucks: These vehicles typically have a higher ground clearance, making the catalytic converter more accessible to thieves.
Hybrid and electric cars: These vehicles often have larger and more valuable catalytic converters, making them more attractive targets for thieves.
Older cars: These vehicles may have less advanced security features, making them easier to steal from.
Cars parked in public areas: Cars parked on the street or in parking lots are more vulnerable to theft than those parked in a garage or driveway.
It's worth noting that catalytic converter theft can happen to any car, so it's important to be vigilant and take steps to protect your vehicle.
Which makes and models get hit the most by thieves in Canada:
The following car makes and models were targeted the most for catalytic converter thefts in Canada:
Ford F-Series (1985-2021)
Honda Accord (1989-2020)
Jeep Patriot (2007-2017)
Ford Econoline (1990-2022)
Chevrolet Silverado (1999-2021)
Honda CR-V (1997-2020)
Toyota Camry (1987-2019)
Chrysler 200 (2011-2017)
Toyota Prius (2001-2021)
If you consider to grow your Turo fleet and one of those cars is on your whish list, you might wanna reconsider. On these cars it is especially easy to steal the catalytic converter which makes them a target for catalytic converter thefts.
What can you do to prevent catalytic converter theft on your car
There are several steps that you can take to prevent catalytic converter theft on your car:
Park in a secure location: Park your car in a garage or driveway, if possible, or in a well-lit and high-traffic area.
Install a catalytic converter security device: There are a number of aftermarket security devices available that can make it difficult for thieves to remove your catalytic converter.
Engrave your catalytic converter: Marking your catalytic converter with your license plate number or VIN can make it harder for thieves to sell the stolen converter on the black market.
Be vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Use CCTV : If possible use CCTV camera to monitor the parking area.
Get a alarm system: Some car alarm systems can detect the vibration of the catalytic converter being cut and alert you.
Get it welded: Some people get their catalytic converter welded to the exhaust pipe, making it much harder to remove and deterring thieves.
It's important to note that while these steps can help to deter thieves, there is no guarantee that your catalytic converter will not be stolen.
Calgary Police and Kaltire partnership to prevent catalytic converter thefts
In Calgary there were 205 catalytic converter stolen in 2019, 300 in 2020 and 1560 in 2021. This number was already doubled by November 2022 (with over 3000 stolen catalytic converters) and is likely to continue to raise in 2023.
Calgary Police partnered with Kaltire to bring this number down and make it harder for thieves to steal catalytic converter.
To take advantage of the program you can book an appointment at a Kaltire shop and get the vehicle identification number (VIN) imprinted on the catalytic converter. This way it is way harder for thieves to sell the catalytic converter on the black market.
The cost of the engravement is 40 CAD and takes about an hour.
There are also cars where it is quite difficult to steal the catalytic converter, since it is installed close to the engine block and harder to acces, which would take too much time for thieves to get it off.
The following cars, that we list on Turo, are among these - so you don’t have to worry when you rent them out:
When booking one of our cars we will plant a tree in North America and issue you a Tree Gift Certificate (see here for more information) - and we offer several extras, from child seats, snow shoes to the Park Pass for a discount price.
2017 BMW X1 xDrive28i AWD (Midsize SUV, 5 seats)
2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid AWD (SUV, 8 seats)
2020 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWD (SUV, 5 seats)
