California cat law and the local junk-car market
California's catalytic converter sale law (SB 1087, 2023) is among the strictest in the country. Documented cores are valuable; cars with stolen cats see offer drops in the $400-$700 range — significantly below national averages because the resale path is harder. We still buy them.
Oxnard's wear pattern depends on proximity to the coast. Salt-air corrodes brake lines, undercarriage hardware, and electrical connectors at year 8-10 for cars within a mile of the ocean. Inland cars age more on AC, electronics, and high mileage.
Working-fleet mileage and the CA AC/electronics cycle
California fleets typically have lower body-rust pressure than salt-belt states but higher AC/electrical wear from year-round UV and humid coastal microclimates. Camrys, Civics, F-150s, and Tacomas with 200,000+ miles aren't unusual. We don't penalize for high mileage.
Long-park failures (sat-for-months cars) and rideshare/delivery wear (250k+ ex-rideshare cars) round out the typical Oxnard junk-car profile.