Why is My Car Not in My Garage in GTA 5 Story Mode?
If you’ve found yourself scratching your head, wondering where your beloved vehicle vanished to in GTA 5 story mode, you’re not alone. It’s a common frustration for players, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. The primary reasons your car might be missing from your garage boil down to a few key factors: it was impounded, destroyed, or simply not properly saved. Here’s a detailed breakdown of these and other possible scenarios.
The Impound Lot: Your Vehicle’s Temporary Home
One of the most frequent reasons for a missing vehicle is that it’s been impounded. If you abandon a car you’ve modified at Los Santos Customs or ordered online, or simply leave it somewhere and it’s deemed “abandoned” by the game, the Los Santos Police Department might take it into custody.
How to Retrieve Your Impounded Car
Luckily, getting your car back from the Impound Lot is usually quite simple. You have two options:
- Pay the Fee: The most straightforward method is to visit the Impound Lot, typically located near the police headquarters, and pay a $250 fee. This is a small price to pay to get your cherished vehicle back.
- Steal It Back: If you’re feeling adventurous (or frugal), you can attempt to steal your car back. However, be warned, this will likely attract police attention.
It’s important to note that the Impound Lot has a limit of two cars at any given time. If a third car is impounded, the oldest impounded vehicle will be removed permanently, and you won’t be able to retrieve it.
Destruction: When Cars Vanish Permanently
Another common reason for a missing car is that it has been destroyed. Unlike in GTA Online, vehicles in the story mode do not have insurance. If your car is blown up, driven into the ocean, or otherwise ruined beyond repair, it’s gone for good. You won’t be able to call an insurance company to replace it, meaning you’ll need to acquire a new vehicle, either by stealing one or purchasing one.
Saving Your Car: The Importance of Garage Storage
To ensure your car remains accessible, it’s crucial to understand how saving works in GTA 5 story mode. You must physically park your vehicle inside one of your garages to save it. These garages are character-specific, meaning each of the three protagonists (Michael, Franklin, and Trevor) has their own separate garages. Once safely parked inside, the car will be saved to that character’s garage.
Garage Capacity and Management
Each of the main character’s can have a maximum of 18 cars in total with their house garages and purchased garages combined. It’s essential to manage your garage space carefully. If you try to store a car in an already full garage, the game will prompt you to select a vehicle currently stored in that garage to be replaced, effectively deleting the replaced vehicle.
Garage Door Issues
Occasionally, players experience issues with their garage door not opening. This is usually because the vehicle is parked too close to the garage door. The doors open out and up, so if your vehicle is blocking this path, the door will not open. Ensure you pull back a little before attempting to enter.
Other Potential Causes for Missing Cars
While impound, destruction, and incorrect saving are the most likely reasons for a missing vehicle, other possibilities include:
- Disappearing After Distance: Sometimes, if you leave a vehicle too far from you, the game can remove it. It won’t appear in the impound, and is simply gone.
- Misremembering Location: Double-check that you parked the car in the correct garage, as each character has their own.
- Glitch: Although less common, game glitches can sometimes cause vehicles to disappear. If you have encountered a glitch, consider restarting the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I buy a car in GTA 5 story mode?
You can buy cars via the internet on your character’s phone. Open the internet browser, and then head to the Southern San Andreas Super Autos website to purchase vehicles.
2. Can cars be stolen from my garage in GTA 5 story mode?
No, vehicles stored in your garage cannot be stolen in the GTA 5 story mode. This is a feature only present in GTA Online.
3. How many cars can I store in the garages in total across the three characters in GTA 5 story mode?
You can store a total of 18 vehicles across the three characters. This includes their house garages and purchased garages.
4. What is the cheapest garage I can buy in GTA 5 story mode?
The cheapest garage you can buy is Unit 124 Popular St for $25,000.
5. What happens when my garage is full in GTA 5 story mode?
If your garage is full and you attempt to store another vehicle, the game will prompt you to replace one of the cars currently stored in your garage, effectively deleting the old vehicle.
6. Do cars automatically return to the garage in GTA 5 story mode?
No, cars do not automatically return to your garage in GTA 5 story mode. You must physically drive them into the garage to save them.
7. Can I get my car back if it’s destroyed in GTA 5 story mode?
Unfortunately, no, if your car is destroyed, it’s permanently gone. There is no insurance in story mode.
8. How long does it take for a car to be delivered to my garage if I order it online?
Cars ordered online will typically be delivered within 3 to 6 minutes to one of your garages.
9. How do I sell a stolen car in GTA 5 story mode?
You can sell stolen cars at Los Santos Customs locations, which are scattered across the map.
10. What is the fastest car in GTA 5 story mode?
The fastest car in the base game of GTA 5 story mode is the Vapid Pißwasser Dominator, hitting a top speed of 126.50 mph (203.58 km/h).
11. Can I get a refund for a digital game in GTA?
Generally, digital game purchases are eligible for a refund within 14 days of purchase provided that there are not more than two hours of consecutive runtime following purchase or any virtual currency, virtual goods or physical goods associated with the purchase.
12. What happens if I pull up too close to the garage door in GTA 5?
If you pull up too close to the garage door, it will not open. This is because the doors open outward and upward, and your car could block the door’s movement.
13. Why is my vehicle impounded, even if it’s not heavily damaged?
Even if your car isn’t heavily damaged, the game can consider it “abandoned” if you leave it unattended for a period of time or if it spawns in a location where the game thinks it should not be. The police will then tow the vehicle and impound it.
14. What happens to the impounded vehicles if I do not retrieve them?
If you do not retrieve your impounded vehicle and then a third vehicle is impounded, the oldest vehicle is deleted and can not be retrieved.
15. What is the best way to avoid losing my car in GTA 5 story mode?
The best way to avoid losing your car is to always park it in your garage after using it. Also, be cautious of high-speed chases and avoid destruction. It is also recommended that you save your game as regularly as possible to avoid any accidental destruction.
Conclusion
Dealing with a missing car in GTA 5 story mode can be frustrating, but by understanding the game’s mechanics regarding saving, impounding, and vehicle destruction, you can largely avoid these issues. Always remember to park your vehicle inside your garage to ensure it is saved, and be mindful of how you treat your cars in the world of Los Santos. With a bit of caution and attention, your favorite rides will remain safely stored and ready for your next adventure.