Introduction: Why are there millions of abandoned cars in the USA?

Each year in the United States, approximately 12–15 million cars - this is more than the population of Moscow. Most of them are sent to so-called “car cemeteries” (junkyards or salvage yards), where cars are either dismantled for parts or left to rust in the open air. But why does this happen?

The point is strict environmental laws, high repair costs and consumer culture: Americans prefer to buy new cars rather than restore old ones. For example, repairs after an accident can cost more than the market value of the car - and insurance companies simply pay compensation to the owner, and the car itself is sent to a landfill. This is how giant cemeteries are formed, some of which occupy areas the size of a small city.

But these places are not only gloomy symbolic burial grounds for technology. For many, they become a source of cheap spare parts, unique retro models, or even art objects. In this article we will look at how car cemeteries in the USA are organized, how to get there and what you can find there.

The largest car cemeteries in the USA: where are they located?

In America there are more than 7,000 licensed car dismantlers, but some of them became real legends. Here are the most famous:

  • 📍 Boneyard Safari (Arizona) — here, under the scorching sun, thousands of cars from the 1950s to 1970s rust. A popular place for photographers and filmmakers.
  • 📍 Pick-N-Pull (networks nationwide) is one of the largest self-service networks where you can remove spare parts yourself.
  • 📍 Old Car City USA (Georgia) - a private cemetery with 4,000 classic cars, open for tours.
  • 📍 California Auto Dismantlers (California) — specializes in rare Japanese and European models.

Many cemeteries are located in desert states (Arizona, Nevada, Texas), where the dry climate slows down corrosion. For example, in Bonville (Utah) there is a famous junkyard where cars are used as shooting targets - it's part of the local culture.

📊 Which car cemetery would you like to visit?
Boneyard Safari (Arizona)
Pick-N-Pull (nets)
Old Car City USA (Georgia)
Other

Fun fact: Some cemeteries become tourist attractions. For example, Cadillac Ranch in Texas, where 10 old Cadillac buried with its nose in the ground - this is an installation that can be painted with graffiti.

How cars end up in graveyards: from accidents to environmental laws

The main reasons why cars are sent to a landfill:

  1. Total loss after an accident — if the repair costs more than 70–80% of the market price of the car, the insurance company writes it off.
  2. Expiration of service life - in some states, cars older than 15-20 years cannot be operated without expensive certification.
  3. Environmental standards — for example, California has strict emissions regulations CO2, and many old cars do not pass inspection smog test.
  4. Theft and unrepaid loans — banks and police get rid of problem cars through auctions.

In the United States, about 95% of all cars over 25 years of age are written off each year—one of the highest rates in the world. For comparison: in Europe this figure is 20–30% lower due to the culture of restoration.

Reason for write-off Share of the total, % Examples of models
Road accident (total loss) 45% Honda Civic, Toyota Camry, Ford F-150
Environmental standards 25% Chevrolet Impala (pre-2000), Dodge Ram (diesel)
Theft/non-payment of loan 15% BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Expiration of service life 10% Ford Mustang (1990s), Jeep Cherokee XJ
Other (fires, floods) 5% Any Florida/Louisiana models

Most cars undergo a procedure before being sent to the cemetery deregistration - they are deregistered by the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles). However, some cars remain in the database as “recycled”, but in fact they can be restored.

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If you are looking for a rare part, check the databases Car-Part.com or Copart.com — there you can find cars by VIN code and see their current condition when disassembled.

How to buy a car from an American cemetery: step-by-step instructions

Buying a car from a salvage yard can save up to 70–90% from market value, but there are pitfalls here. Here's how to do it right:

  1. Define your goal: Do you need a car for spare parts (parts car), recovery (project car) or resale.
  2. Select a site:
    • 🔧 Pick-N-Pull — self-service, cheap spare parts.
    • 💰 Copart/IAAI — auto insurance auctions (a deposit of $400–$1000 is required).
    • 🏜️ Old Car City - for collectors of retro models.
  • Check the history by VIN via Carfax or AutoCheck - look for notes salvage title (written off) or rebuilt title (restored).
  • Assess the condition: if the car is sold as parts only, it cannot be legally used without complete restoration.
  • Complete the documents: some states will require bonded title (warranty title) or court order for re-registration.

    • Marks in history (salvage/rebuilt title)|Condition of frame and body (rust, damage)|Availability of all units (engine, gearbox)|Delivery cost to your region-->

    The cost of cars in cemeteries varies from $100 for a rusty body up to $10 000+ for rare models. For example, Ford Mustang 1967 in poor condition can cost $5,000–$8,000, and Toyota Supra MK4 - up to $15,000 even without an engine.

    ⚠️ Attention: Cars marked flood damage (flood damage) often have hidden electrical and corrosion problems. Restoring them can cost more than buying a working car.

    Exporting cars from American cemeteries to Russia is possible, but is associated with bureaucratic difficulties. Here are the key points:

    • 📄 Customs clearance: the car must be completely cleared by customs in the USA (need clean title or rebuilt title). Auto with salvage title They won't let you cross the border.
    • 💵 Fees: valid in Russia recycling fee (from 20,000 to 1,000,000 ₽ depending on age and engine size).
    • 🚢 Delivery: container transportation costs $1,500–$3,000, roll trailer — $3,000–$5,000.
    • 🔧 Certification: the car must comply Technical regulations of the Customs Union (for example, availability Euro 5 for gasoline engines).

    The easiest way is to buy cars over 30 years old (they are exempt from the recycling fee) or those that already have rebuilt title. For example, Chevrolet Bel Air 1957 or Ford Thunderbird 1963 can be imported without problems if they are restored.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you bring a car as “parts” (disassembled), customs may classify it as “scrap metal” and prohibit import as a car. In this case, it will be impossible to restore the PTS.
    List of documents for customs clearance of cars from the USA

    1. Original title (title) with a mark rebuilt or clean.

    2. Invoice from the seller indicating the VIN and cost.

    3. Purchase and sale contract (notarized).

    4. Certificate of compliance with the Technical Regulations of the Vehicles (if the car is under 30 years old).

    5. Power of attorney for a customs broker (if not the owner).

    What can be found in a car cemetery: from spare parts to retro models

    American showdowns are a treasure trove for car enthusiasts. Here's what they most often search for:

    • 🔩 Spare parts for rare models: e.g. gearboxes Tremec T56 for Mustang or motors LS1 from Chevrolet Corvette.
    • 🚗 Donor bodies: solid frames for restoration (e.g. Dodge Charger 1969).
    • 💎 Collection cars: Pontiac Firebird, AMC Javelin or DeLorean DMC-12 (from Back to the Future).
    • 🔋 Batteries and Electronics: often sell working control units (ECU) for tuning.

    Prices for spare parts are several times lower than in stores. For example:

    - Engine Toyota 2JZ-GTE (from Supra MK4) — $1,500–$3,000 (in store — $8,000+).

    - Body Chevrolet Nova 1972 — $800–$1 500.

    - Headlights Ford F-150 2010 — $50–$150 per pair.

    But be careful: many parts can be damaged by corrosion or accidents. Always check:

    - Condition welds on the frame.

    - Availability hidden cracks in the engine block (use borexcope).

    - Performance electronics (especially after flooding).

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    The most popular spare parts from American showdowns are engines LS (Chevrolet), boxes TH400, bridges Dana 60 and body muscle car 1960–1970s. They are bought for restoration and tuning all over the world.

    Ecology and recycling: what happens to cars in cemeteries

    Unlike landfills in post-Soviet countries, American car cemeteries are strictly regulated by law. Here's how they handle recycling:

    1. Draining liquids: Oil, antifreeze, fuel and freon from air conditioners are collected for recycling.
    2. Removal of hazardous materials: batteries, catalysts (contain precious metals) and mercury switches are disposed of separately.
    3. Body pressing: the metal is sent for remelting (from 1 ton of scrap, ~900 kg of new steel is obtained).
    4. Tire and plastic recycling: tires are processed into crumbs for road surfaces, plastic into granules.

    Interesting fact: in the USA there is a program Cash for Clunkers (2009–2010), according to which owners of old cars received $3,500–$4,500 for scrapping their car. This made it possible to withdraw from circulation 690,000 cars with low environmental friendliness.

    Today, many cemeteries cooperate with companies like LKQ Corporationwho are engaged recycling of parts. According to statistics, up to 80% spare parts from disassembly are suitable for re-installation.

    ⚠️ Attention: If you are buying a car for dismantling, make sure that the cemetery has a disposal license (Auto Recycling License). Illegal junkyards can sell spare parts from stolen cars - this is fraught with problems with the law.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about car cemeteries in the USA

    Is it possible to buy a car from a cemetery without documents?

    Technically yes, but it cannot be used legally. Without title (title) you will not be able to register the car. In some states you can apply bonded title (warranty title), but it is a long and expensive process ($500 to $2,000).

    How much does it cost to ship a car from the USA to Russia?

    The cost depends on the method:

    - Container (20ft): $1,500–$3,000 (suitable for 1–2 cars).

    - Roll trailer: $3,000–$5,000 (for slow-moving cars).

    - Air transportation: from $10,000 (only for very valuable models).

    Additionally, customs duties (from 20% of the cost) and a recycling fee are paid.

    What cars most often end up in cemeteries?

    Leaders in write-offs:

    - Honda Accord and Toyota Camry (due to mass distribution and high accident rate).

    - Ford F-150 (popular with racers and often involved in accidents).

    - Chevrolet Impala (cheap to maintain, but quickly rust).

    Rare models (Ferrari, Lamborghini) are almost never written off - they are restored or sold at auction.

    Is it possible to restore a car marked salvage title?

    Yes, but the process includes:

    1. Complete repair with photographing of each stage.

    2. Check with a licensed service.

    3. Receipt rebuilt title at the DMV.

    In some states (for example, New York) restored cars cannot be sold without disclosing their history.

    Where to look for rare spare parts if they are not available for disassembly?

    Try:

    - Specialized forums: Jalopy Journal (for retro models), LS1Tech (for engines LS).

    - Auctions: eBay Motors, Bring a Trailer.

    - Private collectors: many people store spare parts in garages and sell them through Facebook Marketplace.