[117000miles]

Hello. As you can see from my post count, I am a newbie. I hope there's someone here who may be able to help me. Here's the deal. I have a 1996 Hyundai Elantra with about 117,000 miles on it (hence my screen name). Of late I've noticed an awful sulphur stench, like rotten eggs and the check engine light is on. A few years back, the Elantra for my year was recalled due to exhaust problems and the dealership pretty much had to replace the whole system. (I think?)

Anyway, I took my car to a mechanic who ran a diagnostic. He told me that the problem could be solved in one of two ways. He said I should first try the least expensive way ($400) and replace the dioxide sensors. If that didn't work, however, he said I'd need a new catalytic converter which would run me an additional $1,000. The wrinkle is that my state requires an emissions check prior to renewing your car registration. My birthday is early next month and I don't have a whole lot of time or money for that matter. Obviously, I can't pass the test with a "check engine" light illuminated.

My question is: Is there really a chance that changing out the dioxide sensors will cure this sulphur problem, or do you think the mechanic is trying to pull the wool over my eyes? With the mileage I have on my vehicle, replacing the catalytic converter may not be worth the expense. The car is not even worth $500, and I may be better off taking advantage of these end of the year blowouts at the Hyundai dealership and putting that $1,000 toward a down payment on a new car.

Sorry so longwinded...