Government Old Car Buy Back Program May 2026

California has the most robust "old car buy back" ecosystem, typically managed through local air quality districts or the Bureau of Automotive Repair.

Most programs target vehicles from 2007 or older , though some specific "scrap-only" programs require the car to be from 2000 or older . Federal Status Update Vehicle Buy Back Program government old car buy back program

This program provides up to $12,000 to lower-income residents in specific air districts (like the South Coast AQMD or the Bay Area ) who scrap a vehicle from 2007 or older and replace it with a cleaner option, such as a hybrid or electric vehicle. California has the most robust "old car buy