I feel you...
What kind of car is the bucket?....and what year?.....also, how long have you had that car?
If you've had that car for over two years (I think) look into the CAP program...
Bureau of Automotive Repair Consumer Assistance Program
that worked for me once, they payed $500 for a new catalyic converter. Not on my previous car though because I didnt have it long enough.
Also, one more thing.....do you know exactly why its not passin? if CAP doesnt work for you...and if its not the CAT converter.....it might be around the same amount of money to just fix it so it can pass.