At this time it appears the California Air Resources Board has not yet approved an aftermarket (much more inexpensive) catalytic converter for a 2005 Kia Spectra 2.0 Liter Engine.
The only option, if in fact your Kia Spectra does need a new Catalytic Converter, is to purchase the CAT from the Kia dealership.
We can offer you this advice... if you choose to have Kia perform the repairs required to pass the smog check, make sure they will guarantee the repair, make sure it is in fact the CAT that is defective and there is not an underlying problem causing the CAT to fail.
Second if you can not afford to perform this repair AND the Kia dealership is a California certified smog check station, you may apply for the Consumer Assistance Program which will pay up to $500.00 to repair your Kia. Obviusly the $500.00 from CAP will not be enough to pay for the repairs.... so once you apply for CAP and get accepted you may apply for an Economic Hardship waiver. This will allow you to register your Kia for a two year period (and only once in its lifetime) without a smog check. For more information please contact the State Smog Check Referee's Office at (800) 622-7733.
