Embarking on your journey in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 can be an exhilarating experience, but knowing how to get first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is often the initial hurdle for new players. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, strategies, and tips to acquire your very first vehicle, transform it from scrap to showroom quality, and kickstart your career as a virtual automotive expert. Understanding these core mechanics is crucial for building your garage, expanding your reputation, and ultimately mastering the game’s intricate simulation.
Understanding the Game’s Core Loop
Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 immerses players in the life of a professional car mechanic, tasking them with repairing, painting, tuning, and driving vehicles. The game’s progression revolves around earning money (credits), which you then use to upgrade your workshop, purchase tools, and most importantly, buy cars to restore and resell. Your first few hours will primarily focus on taking repair jobs from your tablet to accumulate enough funds to purchase your own project car. This initial phase sets the foundation for your workshop’s success. Mastering the repair mechanics and understanding the value of different parts will directly impact your profitability and ability to grow your virtual business.
Why Your First Car Matters
Your first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is more than just a vehicle; it’s an investment and a learning opportunity. It represents your first significant independent project, where you control every aspect of the restoration, from diagnosis to final sale. Successfully restoring and selling this car teaches you valuable lessons about market demand, parts costs, and efficient repair processes. It’s a stepping stone to taking on more challenging projects, expanding your garage, and ultimately becoming a renowned mechanic within the game. A well-chosen first project car can provide a substantial profit margin, giving you the capital needed to acquire more vehicles or upgrade essential equipment.
Initial Steps: Earning Your First Credits
Before you can even think about buying a car, you need money. The game starts you with a basic garage and limited funds. Your primary method of earning credits early on is by accepting repair jobs.
Taking Repair Jobs from the Tablet
From your tablet in the garage, you can access a list of available jobs. These jobs vary in complexity, from simple oil changes and tire rotations to more intricate engine or suspension repairs. For beginners, it’s advisable to start with simpler tasks. These jobs introduce you to the basic tools and diagnostics without overwhelming you. Pay close attention to the client’s description of the problem; this often provides clues about which parts need inspection. As you complete jobs, you’ll earn experience points and credits. Gaining experience levels up your mechanic skills, unlocking new tools and abilities that make future repairs easier and more efficient.
Basic Diagnosis and Repair Tasks
Each repair job begins with a diagnosis. Use the diagnostic path tool to visually inspect parts for wear and tear, and the test path (dyno, fluid test, brake test) to identify specific issues. Once identified, you’ll need to remove the faulty parts, purchase new ones from the computer shop, and install them. This process teaches you about different car systems – engine, suspension, brakes, transmission, and exhaust. Remember that not all parts need to be replaced; some can be repaired if you have the necessary workshop upgrades (e.g., engine stand, gearbox stand). Always double-check your work before finishing a job to ensure all client requests are met and no faulty parts remain.
Maximizing Profit on Early Jobs
To save money and maximize profits, consider repairing parts rather than always buying new ones, especially for common items. As you gain experience, you’ll unlock abilities that allow you to repair more effectively. Also, efficient time management plays a role; the faster you complete jobs, the more jobs you can take on. Don’t waste money on unnecessary tools or upgrades until you truly need them. Focus on the essentials that directly aid in job completion. Keep an eye on the market for parts; sometimes, specific parts can be found cheaper than their standard shop price, though this is more common with body parts in the junkyard.
Where to Acquire Your First Project Car
Once you’ve accumulated a decent amount of credits (typically around 10,000 to 20,000 credits for a basic project car), you can start looking for your first independent project. There are three main avenues to acquire vehicles in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018: the Auction House, Barn Finds, and the Junkyard. Each offers a different risk-reward dynamic.
The Auction House: Bidding Strategies for Beginners
The Auction House is where you can bid on a variety of vehicles, often in varying states of disrepair. This is a popular spot to get first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018. Cars here tend to be more expensive than junkyard finds but are generally in better condition, requiring less extensive restoration.
- Bidding Process: Auctions happen at specific times, which you can check on your computer or tablet. You’ll compete against AI bidders.
- Inspection: Before bidding, you can thoroughly inspect the car. Look for rusty body panels, missing engine parts, and suspension damage. Use your diagnostic tools (if unlocked) to get a clearer picture of the repair costs.
- Strategy: As a beginner, focus on cars with relatively minor body damage or common engine issues. Avoid highly complex repairs like full engine overhauls or extensive frame damage, as these require more advanced tools and a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics. Set a budget and stick to it; overpaying at auction will eat into your potential profit margin. Aim for cars that require straightforward repairs that you are confident you can complete.
Discovering Barn Finds: A High-Risk, High-Reward Option
Barn Finds are vehicles hidden in abandoned barns scattered across the game world. These cars are often extremely rare, valuable, and in terrible condition. They offer the highest potential profit but also demand the most extensive restoration.
- Unlocking Barn Finds: You’ll need to unlock the ability to search for barn finds through garage upgrades. Once unlocked, you can travel to specific locations on the map.
- Searching: Driving around the map, you’ll see small, dilapidated barns. Interact with them to open them and discover what treasure lies within.
- Risk vs. Reward: Barn finds are incredibly unpredictable. You might uncover a classic muscle car worth a fortune after restoration, or a heap of rust that costs more to fix than it’s worth. For your very first car, a barn find might be too much of a gamble unless you have a substantial credit reserve. However, the experience of finding and restoring a rare vehicle is highly rewarding. Be prepared for complete overhauls, including frame repair, engine rebuilds, and full bodywork.
Scouring the Junkyard: Finding Hidden Gems
The Junkyard is arguably the best place for beginners to get first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018. Cars here are cheap, often severely damaged, but they offer the lowest entry barrier and the opportunity to hone your repair skills without a huge initial investment.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Vehicles in the junkyard are sold at incredibly low prices, making them accessible even with limited starting funds.
- Inspection: Just like at the auction, inspect the cars. Junkyard cars will almost certainly have rust, missing parts, and severe damage. However, you can sometimes find cars with relatively intact frames or engines, making them prime candidates for restoration.
- Strategy: Look for cars that have a complete engine block (even if the parts within are rusted), a relatively straight frame, and some salvagable body panels. Avoid cars that are too far gone, unless you specifically want a monumental challenge. The junkyard is also an excellent place to find cheap, used parts for your repairs, which can significantly reduce costs. You can often find decent tires, interior components, and even some engine parts that are in better condition than those on your project car. This is where your ability to identify valuable scrap truly comes into play.
Evaluating Potential Purchases
Regardless of where you decide to acquire your first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018, careful evaluation is key to a profitable restoration.
What to Look for in a Damaged Vehicle
When inspecting a potential project car, whether at the auction or junkyard, keep these points in mind:
- Body Condition: Extensive rust and major dents mean more body repair work, which requires a paint shop and often new body panels. Small dents are easier to fix.
- Engine Completeness: Is the engine block present? Are most major components (heads, manifold, oil pan) there, even if rusted? Missing major engine parts can be costly to replace.
- Frame Damage: Severe frame damage requires a frame repair bench, which is a significant workshop upgrade. Avoid these for your first few cars. Minor frame issues are manageable.
- Suspension and Brakes: These systems are relatively straightforward to repair and replace, so don’t be deterred by damaged suspension or brakes.
- Interior: Interior parts are generally less expensive than engine or body parts, but a completely stripped interior can add up.
- Overall Value: Research the car model’s potential value when fully restored. Some classic cars command higher prices, making them more profitable projects. The game provides a basic appraisal value, but your experience will help you refine your estimate.
Tools for Assessment: Diagnostic Path and Test Paths
Early in the game, your assessment tools might be limited to visual inspection. As you progress, you’ll unlock better diagnostic tools. The Diagnostic Path highlights worn or damaged parts in different colors, giving you a quick visual overview. The Test Paths (dyno, fluid test, brake test) provide detailed reports on engine performance, fluid leaks, and brake efficiency. Utilize these tools whenever possible to get a precise estimate of repair costs before committing to a purchase. Knowing exactly what’s broken allows you to make informed decisions about your maximum bid or purchase price.
Calculating Potential Profit Margins
Before buying, estimate the cost of parts and your labor. Subtract this from the potential selling price of the restored car. A healthy profit margin is essential. As a rule of thumb, aim for at least a 20-30% profit margin on your estimated total investment (purchase price + parts). For your first car, prioritize learning and getting a return on investment, even if the profit isn’t astronomical. Remember, a car that sells for 10,000 credits might only cost you 2,000 to buy and 3,000 in parts, leaving a 5,000 credit profit before factoring in labor.
The Restoration Process: Turning Scrap into Gold
Once you’ve acquired your first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018, the real work begins. The restoration process is the heart of the game, demanding patience, precision, and an eye for detail.
Disassembly and Diagnosis
Start by completely disassembling the car. This involves removing all body panels, wheels, suspension components, interior elements, and finally, the engine and transmission. As you remove parts, pay attention to their condition. Damaged parts will show up in red or yellow in the inventory. Use your diagnostic tools (if you haven’t already) to identify every single worn or broken component. The more thoroughly you diagnose, the less chance you have of missing something crucial during reassembly. This systematic approach ensures no faulty parts are left on the vehicle.
Sourcing Parts: Shop vs. Renovation
With a detailed list of needed parts, head to your computer shop. The shop has categories for all car parts: engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, interior, body, wheels, etc.
- Buying New: For critical components like engine blocks, pistons, brake calipers, and body panels, new parts are often the best option to ensure quality and maximum resale value.
- Renovating Used Parts: Some parts, especially engine components like crankshafts, camshafts, and cylinder heads, can be repaired using specific workshop tools (e.g., engine stand, gearbox stand). This saves money but requires the corresponding repair tables. As you gain more experience, you’ll unlock abilities to fix more types of parts.
- Junkyard/Barn Find Parts: Don’t forget to revisit the junkyard or check barn finds for cheaper used parts that might be in better condition than what you have. This can be a significant cost-saver, especially for body panels or interior elements.
Reassembly and Performance Testing
Carefully reassemble the car, installing all new or repaired parts. The game’s interface helps by highlighting where each part goes. Always ensure screws and bolts are tightened. Once the car is mostly assembled, perform a fluid check, filling up oil, coolant, power steering fluid, and brake fluid.
- Engine Performance: If you’ve rebuilt the engine, take the car to the dyno to test its horsepower and torque. Make adjustments to the tuning if necessary.
- Brake and Suspension: The brake and suspension test paths will confirm these systems are working correctly.
- Test Drive: Take the car for a test drive to identify any remaining issues, odd noises, or handling problems that weren’t obvious in the garage. This is a critical step for quality assurance. A smooth test drive indicates a well-restored vehicle.
Painting and Detailing
For maximum resale value, the car needs to look immaculate.
- Body Shop: Use the body shop to fix minor dents and rust spots on body panels.
- Paint Shop: Choose a color for your car. You can use default colors or mix custom ones. A fresh coat of paint significantly increases a car’s appeal and value.
- Detailing: Once painted, perform a final detailing pass. This involves cleaning the interior, waxing the exterior, and ensuring all windows are spotless.
Selling Your Restored Vehicle for Profit
After all the hard work, it’s time to sell your masterpiece.
Setting the Right Price
The game provides an “Appraisal” tool that suggests a reasonable selling price based on the car’s condition, rarity, and the quality of repairs. Don’t be afraid to price it a little higher than the suggested appraisal if you believe it’s a premium restoration or a rare model. However, setting the price too high will deter potential buyers. The goal is to find the sweet spot that maximizes your profit without sitting on the car for too long.
Marketing Your Car
You can sell your car directly from your garage, or use the “Car Saloon” where buyers visit your workshop. The Car Saloon is more effective for higher-value cars. When buyers visit, they’ll make offers. You can negotiate with them to try and get a better price, but be careful not to push too hard, or they might walk away. Learning how to negotiate effectively comes with practice. Each successful sale contributes to your reputation and provides the funds for your next project.
Advanced Strategies for Building Your Fleet
Once you’ve successfully handled how to get first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 and completed a few restorations, you’ll want to expand your operations.
Upgrading Your Workshop
Invest your profits into workshop upgrades. This includes adding new bays, installing a paint shop, a body shop, an engine stand, a gearbox stand, a dyno, and a test path. Each upgrade streamlines your repair process and allows you to take on more complex and profitable jobs. For instance, a four-post lift and frame repair bench are essential for tackling severely damaged vehicles. Expanding your workshop also includes adding more storage space for parts and cars, which becomes crucial as your inventory grows.
Expanding Your Toolset
Beyond workshop upgrades, purchase advanced tools. A tire changer and wheel balancer are essential for quickly swapping and balancing tires. A spring puller simplifies suspension work. An engine crane is vital for removing and installing heavy engine blocks. The right tools not only make your work easier but also faster, increasing your overall efficiency and potential earnings. The game often introduces new tools as you level up, making sure you have a progressive learning curve.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even experienced mechanics can make mistakes. For your first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018, be mindful of these common issues:
Overspending on Parts
It’s easy to get carried away and buy new parts for everything. However, repairing existing parts, buying cheaper used ones from the junkyard, or finding parts during barn searches can significantly cut down costs and boost your profit margin. Always compare prices and consider the cost-benefit of repair vs. replacement.
Taking on Overly Complex Jobs
Especially early on, avoid projects that are too complex for your current skill level or workshop capabilities. A car with severe frame damage, for example, will require a frame repair bench, which is an expensive upgrade. Stick to projects you can realistically complete without major additional investments. Gradually scale up the complexity of your projects as you gain experience and resources.
Ignoring Customer Feedback
In repair jobs, always fulfill all client requests. Failing to do so can result in lower payment or negative reviews, hurting your reputation. When selling your own cars, pay attention to what buyers are looking for in terms of condition and price. Positive feedback helps you unlock new opportunities and build trust in your virtual brand.
Maximizing your experience in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 revolves around continuous learning and strategic decision-making. From identifying the perfect junkyard find to meticulously restoring every component, your journey from a novice to a master mechanic is filled with rewarding challenges. The principles of careful evaluation, efficient repair, and smart selling will serve you well as you build your automotive empire. For insights into real-world automotive care and tips that can extend the life of your actual vehicles, visit maxmotorsmissouri.com.
The path to successfully acquiring and restoring your first car in Car Mechanic Simulator 2018 is a comprehensive process that blends diagnostic skill, economic strategy, and meticulous virtual wrenching. By following these guidelines, new players can confidently navigate the initial stages of the game, secure their first project, and lay the foundation for a thriving virtual mechanic business. Remember that patience and attention to detail are your best tools in this highly engaging simulation.
Last Updated on October 16, 2025 by Cristian Steven
