Do i really need a catalytic convertor?

[domiow]

My car (X reg Laguna sport) failed it's MOT on emissions today and on investigation it is because my cat is not working - do i actually need a new catalytic convertor, or can my car run without one and still be within the legal limit for emissions somehow..? - i'm just paranoid that as a female the garage is stitching me up as my last car that had a cat problem (a fairly new mondeo) was really obvious that it had a problem - basically because it wouldn't run! I have been running around in this car without the slightest hint that there was anything wrong with the cat..
Any help appreciated!

[Gef]

As you say it failed on emissions. Only way to solve this is to get a new cat.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

if you dident have a cat fitted,then your emissions level would be well over the limit,the fact that the cat is leaking more emissions is a clue that you need a new one,but shop around for one as they are quite expensive

[Toureman]

Worth joining this forum, you might get a pointer to a cheap cat...................


http://www.renaultforums.co.uk?referrer=599

Learn more about your renault aswell.

[chevrolet1.8]

it is a legal requirement for all cars manufactured after 1992 to have a cat. fitted. (about 'k' onwards). the garage should be able to give you a diagnostic print out to prove that the emissions are too high. after a while the cats get blocked and sometimes they can be removed and given a bit of a knock to clear out some of the crud inside but ultimately you will need to replace them.