Audi Repair: c/c check engine light, audi a6 quattro, long term solution

Question
I have a 1998 Audi A6 Quattro 2.8
the check engine light was on so i whent to my local auto zone,they check my car and said that the code was (p0422)
the repair is going to run me about 350 is there any way around that kind of expence, maybe a used part or just maybe a cleanning.
sorry  for just  jumping right into the ? but that check engine light is driving me crazy.and thank u for taking the time out and reading this ?.this site is a life saver!!!

Answer
The code reflects poor performance from the catalytic converter.  Unfortunately these are expensive; you can try running the engine and catalyst nice and long, to get them hot, and re-setting the light but this will not be a long-term solution.  Unfortunately catalytic converters are a common item to replace these days, and the price of platinum has made them a target of thefts in some bad area car parking lots...!  You can try and find a used one, but this is false economy.  You didn't accidentally ever put leaded fuel into the car did you?

Jan