https://www.nicb.org/news/news-releases/2017-hot-wheels-repo...
It might just be because those models sell the most, so there are more around to be stolen, or maybe there is more demand for stolen parts because they sell more.
Well, it’s both. They’re two sides of the same coin.
Hard to have a thriving car theft business if there isn’t good enough demand for the parts you need to sell.
Can’t have a high demand for parts unless a large amount of those cars are on the streets (or if the cars are absolute junk and need constant parts repair)
The cars that you see in the junk yard in large quantities are probably the ones that will be stolen from the streets.
Maybe there is a sizable black market of major parts (engines, transmissions, body panels) etc. to unscrupulous repair shops?
I've also used Craigslist because new parts can be 5 times more expensive than used parts. You may buy all your items new, but most of the working class people on my block, who are constantly upgrading their cars, probably can't afford it. So, I have no problem imagining a large black market.
There is a huge market for them. They are laundered through junk yards.