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How to Buy and Sell Cars in GTA 5: A Comprehensive Guide

The world of Grand Theft Auto 5 (GTA 5) is a sprawling playground where fast cars and even faster cash reign supreme. Whether you’re cruising the streets of Los Santos or planning your next big heist, knowing how to buy and sell cars is crucial. This guide will break down the process for both GTA Online and the Story Mode, helping you master the automotive market within the game.

Buying Cars in GTA 5

GTA Online: A World of Options

In GTA Online, buying cars is a straightforward affair, offering a plethora of options to suit every style and budget. You can acquire vehicles through various in-game websites accessible via your character’s phone. Here’s how:

Access the Internet: Open your in-game phone and navigate to the internet icon.
Browse Websites: Explore websites like Legendary Motorsport, Southern San Andreas Super Autos, and Warstock Cache & Carry. These sites offer a range of vehicles, from everyday sedans to high-performance sports cars and military-grade machines.
Select Your Vehicle: Choose the car you want and review its specs, price, and any available customizations.
Purchase: Click on the “Buy” button. Your selected car will be delivered to your garage, usually within a short time.
Garages and Storage: Ensure you have enough space in your personal garage to store your newly acquired vehicle. You may need to purchase additional garages or properties with garage space.

GTA 5 Story Mode: Limited Choices, Similar Steps

Buying cars in the Story Mode of GTA 5 is far more limited than in GTA Online. Generally, you cannot freely purchase vehicles. The primary means to obtain vehicles in Story Mode is through:

Stealing Vehicles: Most often you’ll need to acquire vehicles by stealing them off the street or during missions.
Purchasing Special Vehicles: Certain unique vehicles can be purchased from specific in-game locations, like the submarine or helicopters available to each character. These purchases are usually mission or story related.
Completing Missions: Story missions may reward you with vehicles.

While you can’t typically browse websites and purchase cars in the same way as GTA Online, the steps for purchasing specialty vehicles are similar to the process outlined above: accessing a location, selecting an item, and paying the required amount.

Selling Cars in GTA 5

Selling vehicles in GTA 5 is where things get a bit more complex, differing significantly between GTA Online and Story Mode.

GTA Online: Turning Street Finds into Cash

In GTA Online, selling cars is a viable way to earn extra cash. Here’s a detailed look at how you can do it:

Steal or Drive Your Vehicle: Steal a vehicle off the street or use a car that is already in your garage.
Navigate to Los Santos Customs: Locate a Los Santos Customs shop on your in-game map; they are marked with a spray can icon. These are the only locations where you can sell your vehicle.
Drive Inside: Approach the shop, and drive your vehicle into the garage.
Select Sell: Once inside, you will be presented with menu options. Choose the “Sell” option.
Receive Payment: You will receive a payment for your vehicle based on its value and any modifications.
Cooldown Period: Be aware that there is a cooldown period. You can only sell a street-stolen car once every 48 minutes. This is done to prevent exploiters from accumulating wealth too quickly.
Daily Limit: There is a daily limit on the number of cars you can sell. You can only sell a maximum of 8 cars per real day. Selling more than that may flag your account as a car sales exploiter.
Sellable Values: Only vehicles with a base value of $50,000 or less can be sold to Los Santos Customs. This prevents players from reselling very expensive cars they may have purchased themselves.

GTA 5 Story Mode: No Selling

Unlike GTA Online, you cannot sell cars in GTA 5 Story Mode. Los Santos Customs shops will not give you the “Sell” option. Your primary means to obtain money in story mode are:

Missions and Heists: Completing missions and heists rewards you with cash.
Robberies: You can rob stores or armored trucks for quick money.
Side Activities: Participate in various side missions, such as bounty hunts, and random events.
Collectible Hunting: Discovering and collecting items can yield financial rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide more clarity on buying and selling cars in GTA 5:

Can you sell cars you bought in GTA Online? Yes, you can sell cars you’ve purchased in GTA Online at Los Santos Customs. However, you’ll likely get around 60% of the retail value back. Upgraded vehicles will give a better return.
What kind of cars can I sell in GTA Online? You can typically sell any street-stolen car or a car you purchased with a base value of $50,000 or less. Expensive or premium vehicles cannot be sold at Los Santos Customs but are meant to be kept.
What is the best car to steal and sell in GTA Online for quick cash? The Vapid Dominator is a popular choice. It’s not too hard to find, and can sell for around $3,500 for the standard version. The pre-modified version of this vehicle can be sold for $19,940.
How often can you sell cars in GTA Online? You can sell one street-stolen car at Los Santos Customs every 48 minutes and up to 8 cars per real day. Exceeding this limit may cause your account to be flagged.
What is the fastest car you can steal and sell in GTA Online? The Vapid Dominator is the fastest street-stealable car you can sell.
Can I sell cars I find on the street in GTA 5 Story Mode? No, you cannot sell cars you find on the street or own in Story Mode. You are only able to sell in GTA Online.
Are there any special garages needed to sell cars in GTA Online? No. Your primary personal garage is where you keep your owned cars. You sell cars at Los Santos Customs locations, marked by spray can icons on the map.
What should I do if Los Santos Customs won’t let me sell a car in GTA Online? Check that the car you’re trying to sell has a value of $50,000 or less, that you’ve waited the required 48-minute cooldown since the last street-stolen vehicle, and that you are not at your daily limit of 8.
How does modifying a car affect its sell price in GTA Online? Modifications can increase the sell price of a car, although you will never receive a 100% return on your modifications. Upgrades make them more lucrative.
Is selling cars a good way to make money in GTA 5 Story Mode? No, selling cars is not a way to make money in GTA 5 Story Mode. You cannot sell cars in the Story Mode.
Are there any money glitches or cheats for selling cars in GTA 5? There are no official money cheats or glitches. The game’s developer, Rockstar, are strict when it comes to exploiting. It is possible to be banned for trying to take advantage of any such methods.
Can I sell special vehicles like armored trucks or military vehicles? Generally, no. These vehicles cannot be sold at Los Santos Customs. Some specific, expensive vehicles can only be stored and not sold.
What is the most profitable vehicle to sell in GTA Online? Among the more frequently found vehicles, the Vapid Dominator is a great option for the price.
What happens if I try to sell more than 8 cars in one day in GTA Online? Selling more than 8 cars per day may flag you as a car sale exploiter and can result in a ban or your account being reset.
Does location of Los Santos Customs impact the sell price? No, the sell price of a car is generally consistent across all Los Santos Customs locations in GTA Online. The vehicle condition and modifications are the primary factors that influence the sell price.

Mastering the art of buying and selling cars in GTA 5 is a valuable skill that can enhance your in-game experience. Whether you’re building your dream collection in GTA Online or simply exploring the world in Story Mode, understanding the nuances of the automotive market will keep you on top of the game.

How do you buy and sell cars in GTA 5?