We have a 2000 Toyota Camry. It's still in great condition but when it's started up (especially in winter) you can smell the odor of burnt gasoline. It's not nearly as bad as being behind a 1980 Chevy truck on the highway but it's not pleasant.

The tricky part is, this smell does not occur once the engine is warm or if it had been on within the last couple of hours.

I have been told that the catalytic converter only lasts about 4-5 years but I would hate to think this is true (especially a precious Toyota). Do you believe it is the catalytic converter? If so, is there a way to fix the problem without replacing them. If not, how much are they? And might something else be causing the problem?

Thanks!

It might be the catalytic converter or it could be the exhaust maniforld gasket, muffler, or even a hole in the tail pipe, especially the welds it could be a bad weld or loose connection. If it smells like raw gas, if you're not a mechanic do not attempt to repair yourself. You can take it to the nearest Toyota place and get them to see if the catalytic converter is stopped up or you can take the catalytic converter off (If you live in a state you can get by with it), beat out the inside stuff (it looks like a beehive inside the converter) and then put the converter back on if you can pass an inspection if your state requires emission testing.

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