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1998 Mercury Mountaineer with a Catalytic Converter problem. Should we replace the CAT?

We took our Mercury Mountaineer 1998 in Feb of 2010 and it passed smog check. Then in Aug 2010 the "check engine" light went on. We took it to a mechanic and he informed us one smog converter (one of four) is going out. He said it won't pass the next smog check. Vehicle is at 190,000 miles. We love our car and mechanic said it is running perfectly otherwise, and it is beautiful shape too. The mechanic recommended we get another car. But we need the car and we don't know if it's worth it to get the converter repaired. We don't know what to do.
Answer:

Your should absolutely replace the smog converter (Catalytic Converter); it should not cost more then a few hundred dollars. In our opinion there is no need to replace your SUV instead of making the small investment of installing a new CAT in your Mercury Mountaineer; especially if as your mention your car is in good shape otherwise. posted by SmogTips Support

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