Government Old Car Buy Back Program May 2026

As of , there is no active federal "Cash for Clunkers" program in the United States; the original Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) was a one-time initiative that ended in 2009.

While requirements vary, most buy-back programs share these common rules: government old car buy back program

Through the Consumer Assistance Program (CAP) , income-eligible residents can receive $1,500 or $2,000 to retire a vehicle that failed its Smog Check. Even those who don't meet income requirements may still receive $1,350 to retire their vehicle. As of , there is no active federal

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 income-eligible residents can receive $1