Best Junk Yards in California - Reviews, Perks & Phones

Welcome to our page dedicated to simplifying your search for the best junkyards in California. We've compiled the Top 10 salvage yards based on real experiences from customers like you.

💡 Tip: Filter by City to view the best junkyards in your area.

  • 1
    Ginos Santa Cruz Auto Wrecking Recycling Dismantling Junkyard

    Ginos Santa Cruz Auto Wrecking Recycling Dismantling Junkyard

    3315 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

    Salvage Yard / Used Auto Parts / Junk Car Removal / Towing Service

    5/5 - 3 reviews  open now


          Michael M. Google Review

    "Awesome business and an awesome guy! After I failed to replace my headgasket, Gino bought my 1999 4Runner off of me for a very fair price. He was friendly and accommodating and made the..."


  • 💵 Want to sell your car in California?

    1. Get an instant offer by calling 1-833-693-5944 or filling out our online form.
    2. Maximize your car's value by selling its parts individually through a classified ad.
    3. Contact junkyards directly from the list below.
    OR Call us Free: 1-833-693-5944
  • 2
    Aadlen Brothers Auto Wrecking

    Aadlen Brothers Auto Wrecking

    11590 Tuxford St, Penn Valley, CA 91352

    Junkyard / Used Auto & Truck Parts / Shipping Available / Junk Car Removal / Towing Service
  • 3
    Pick Your Part - Bakersfield

    Pick Your Part - Bakersfield

    5311 S Union Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93307

    Salvage Yard / Used Auto Parts / Self Service / Junk Car Removal

    3.3/5 - 3 reviews  open now


          Nadia T. Google Review

    "I used to own a Chevy equinox and the front grille molding trim fell off and I was shopping to replace it. SoI was shopping online and another online retailer was asking $210 another wanted $113..."


  • 4
    Pick Your Part - Stanton

    Pick Your Part - Stanton

    8188 1/2 Katella Ave, Stanton, CA 90680

    Salvage Yard / Used Auto & Truck Parts / Self Service / Junk Car Removal / Towing Service

    3.7/5 - 3 reviews  open now


          John M. Google Review

    "Literally been shopping Pick Your Part for almost 50 years. Great experience seeing the (various yards) evolve from a run-of-the-mill junkyard to a well organized enterprise. All over..."


  • 5
    Navarra Auto and Truck Dismanters

    Navarra Auto and Truck Dismanters

    1837 Monterey Hwy, San Jose, CA 95112

    Salvage Yard / Used Auto & Truck Parts / Self Service / Shipping Available

    4.2/5 - 5 reviews  open now


          Alex R. Google Review

    "Navarra Truck did a great job on replacing the engine on my 2005 Ford F150, they kept in touch with me through out the entire process and let me know when they needed parts. They also finished..."


  • 6
    Tri County Auto Wrecking

    Tri County Auto Wrecking

    950 Mission Rock Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060

    Salvage Yard / Used Auto & Classic Car Parts / Shipping Available / Junk Car Removal / Towing Service

    5/5 - 3 reviews  open now


          Sean L. Google Review

    "These guys are awesome and extremely fair with pricing and service. I run an auto body shop about 50 miles away from these guys and they always deliver parts to me on time and correct. John and..."


  • 7
    A-1 Budget Auto Dismantling

    A-1 Budget Auto Dismantling

    45509 Division St, Lancaster, CA 93535

    Junkyard / Used Auto Parts

    5/5 - 3 reviews  open now


          Dali SalvageParts Review

    I saved hundreds of dollars with them

    "I am shopping for used car parts with them for years, and I can honestly say that their prices are the best in Lancaster, and as a repeat customer, they always treat me like a king, with respect..."


  • 8
    All Star Auto Recycling

    All Star Auto Recycling

    22521 Capay Rd, Corning, CA 96021

    Junkyard / Used Auto Parts / Junk Car Removal

    5/5 - 2 reviews  open now


          Roy V. SalvageParts Review

    JUNK MY CARS

    "Hello, I am doing a clean out at a bank owned property where we have a bunch of abandoned cars, pieced up cars and abandoned RV's. Do you by any chance take these or have any use for them??."


  • 9
    A San Benito Auto Wreckers

    A San Benito Auto Wreckers

    2120 San Juan Hollister Rd, Hollister, CA 95023

    Junkyard / Used Auto Parts / Self Service / Towing Service

    4.2/5 - 6 reviews  open now


          Edil L. Google Review

    "I went to buy metal cabinets San Benito Auto Wreckers were selling on the classifieds. The employees helped me move them around, loading them and they even loaned me some tools. Outstanding service!."


  • 10
    Acme Auto Wreckers

    Acme Auto Wreckers

    2586 Cortez St, Oxnard, CA 93036

    Salvage Yard / Used Auto Parts / Part Installation Service / Towing Service

    5/5 - 3 reviews  open now


          Michael B. Google Review

    "Even though they were closed when I called, they sent a driver to pick up my mother-in-law's vehicle within an hour. The driver, Anthony, was very pleasant and friendly, and walked us through all..."


🤓 Did you know... The businesses shown here have been selected and ordered based on both our quality criteria and reviews shared by real people. Learn more about our selection and ranking criteria.

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FAQs about junkyards in California

What legal requirements do I need to meet to sell my car to a junkyard in California?

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In order to sell your car to a junkyard in California, you typically need to meet these legal requirements:

  1. Proof of Ownership: You must provide proof of ownership, which is usually your vehicle title. If you don't have the title, contact the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a duplicate.
  2. Valid Identification: You'll need to show a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport.
  3. Complete a Bill of Sale: Some junkyards may ask you to complete a Bill of Sale, indicating the sale price and stating that you're selling the vehicle "as-is."
  4. Release of Liability: Submit a Release of Liability to the California DMV to remove your liability for the vehicle once it's sold. You can do this online or by mailing the appropriate form.
  5. Smog Certificate: Depending on the age and location of your vehicle, you may need to provide a valid smog certificate. Junkyards often handle this if required.
  6. Remove License Plates: Before handing over your vehicle, remove the license plates. You can either transfer them to another vehicle or return them to the DMV.
  7. Payment: Ensure you receive payment for the vehicle. The payment method may vary, so discuss this with the junkyard beforehand.
  8. Cancellation of Insurance: Contact your auto insurance company to cancel coverage on the sold vehicle.

Please note that specific requirements can vary depending on the junkyard and the condition of your vehicle. Always check with the junkyard you plan to sell to and refer to the California DMV for the most up-to-date information and forms.

Can I sell a junk car without a title in California?

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If you try to sell a car without a title, your choices might be more restricted than those of other sellers who have a readily available title.

  • If you are still in the process of paying off a car loan, the likelihood is that the bank or lienholder still possesses your car's title. You must reach out to your bank to get a payoff amount. It's important to ensure that your car's selling price can cover it.
  • If your car title is missing, lost, or stolen and you're wondering how to sell your car, you need to request a replacement title.
  • If your car is totaled, has a salvage title, has no title at all, or you have no way to obtain a valid title, car junkyards often buy cars without a title an pay you in cash. However, the lack of a title might lower your selling price.

How much money can I expect to get for my car at a junkyard in California?

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How much money can I expect to get for my car at a junkyard in California?

  • The condition of your car.
  • The make and model of your car.
  • The current market value of scrap metal.
  • The demand for parts for your car model.

In general, you can expect to get between $100 and $500 for your junk. However, if your vehicle is in good condition or has valuable parts, you may be able to get more.

Do they offer shipping?

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Yes, many of them ship parts. However, there may be additional shipping charges. Be sure to ask about shipping charges before you buy any parts.

How do I remove a part from a junkyard?

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If you are planning on removing a part from a vehicle yourself, be sure to take precautions to avoid injury. Be aware of your surroundings and be careful not to overexert yourself. You should also ask the staff for assistance if needed. We recommend that you bring:

  • Pliers
  • Ratchets
  • Wrenches
  • Sawsall
  • Screw drivers
  • Hammer
  • Impact driver
  • Extensions
  • Sockets SAE and Metric
  • Breaker bar
  • Penetrating Fluid

Are they open on weekends?

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Some of them, so check their operating hours.

How can I find the closest junkyard near my location

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If you're around California, the list above presents a range of trustworthy local junkyards and salvage yards. Feel free to browse their services and get in touch with them! To explore additional options or scout out other areas, we recommend using our junkyard locator. It'll help you pinpoint the finest junkyards nearby..

What is the difference between a junkyard and a salvage yard?

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While the terms are often used interchangeably, a salvage yard may focus more on recycling and reselling parts.

Can they ask me for an entry fee?

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Some junkyards may require you to pay a small entrance or admission fee (usually a few bucks) in order to enter their facilities. With this money they can cover their administrative and maintenance costs and ensure that they receive customers who are truly interested in parts.