In Colorado it's illegal for them to do it.

Where are you located? If you're in a state that doesn't require inspections you don't need to replace your cat. The only thing is you will always have the CEL on.

If you're in a state that does require inspections look at the cost of just paying $2k on the high end for a Cat vs having to pay $26k for a car. Yes, you will be out $2k now but do you prefer to be out $450 per month for the next 5 years?

Is there anything else majorly wrong with your car? How many miles does your car have? Have you done most maintenance repairs that the owners manual calls for? Unless you have major issues just doing the maintenance on the car will be cheaper than buying a brand new car.