Mitsubishi Repair: Gas smell in Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder 96, mitsubishi eclipse spyder, advanced auto parts

Question
Hello,

I have a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS 2.4L 1996 Automatic >130000 miles on it.

I started to smell gas (I think it is gas) in the interior some time ago when I opened the mirrors so I used the vent (air from outside/recycled air). Then I started to smell gas also from the vent when I use the air from outside, so I switched to recycled air instead. No gas smell. Then the smell started to come also when I use the recycled air through the vent. And everytime, I opened the driver side door after driving a while, I could smell 'gas' quite strongly around the driver side, even outside. I went to a dealership. Even though I had the smell for quite some time, my engine light went on suddenly. So the dealership inspected it and said that the cause was probably due to the catalytic converter that was clogged (thats why the engine light went on they told me.. though I did not experience any issue of acceleration at any speed). They wanted to charge me $1400 to replace the catalytic converter, because it has precious metals the guy told me, etc., way too expensive, knowing that advanced auto parts/autozone sold the part for around $150!! So I had the job done elsewhere for $220! After repair, at first, I think the gas smell diminished from the vent, and from the driver side as well. But everytime I opened the mirror on each side while driving, I can smell 'gas' entering the vehicle. Also, after parking the car, the gas smell is the strongest when I come close to the fuel cap. Do you have any idea what could possibly be the issue based on your experience before I go to the dealership which may charge me $$$ for something that may not fixed my problem? Thank you!!

Answer
Tam,
Catalytic converters do have precious metals in them (platinum), and the cost at the dealership is usually highest.  Normally because of their labor costs, OEM parts, and higher markup on prices. The smell of fresh gas is typically caused by exactly that; leaking gas. You may have a small leak from the gas cap, gas filler tube or around the gas tank. Even a small leak can generate a very strong smell. You may want to have a local mechanic inspect your car rather than the dealership to see if you can save some money.
Good luck!