l have a 2000 maxima, and l have this engine light on. l went and had it check and it was my calatytic converter bank 2 that needed to be changed. the average price is about $800-$900 to have that part replaced. who has that kind of money nowadays??? lol
but l need to know if it is going to have a bad effect on my gas mileage.
what are my options here, if l do not have that part fixed right away? and will my MPG go down because of that problem?
please help!

A stopped up Cat Conv can hurt mileage and can ultimately cause your car to strand you.

Having a bad converter can effect you're mpg, will mostly effect the emissions, but if you're state has emission laws u would need to get it fixed. just how much it would effect you're mpg would depend on you're driving habits. Did u notice any difference in the gas mileage since you're check engine light came on? Is what l always do,is first take it to my locale O'Reillys & barrow there code reader(it is a smaller computer so it just gives basic idea), & that will give a general idea of what is wrong & take that to the shop or dealer.