Grand Theft Auto III
Grand Theft Auto III

Vehicle Garages & Customization

Learn how to use garages for repairs and repainting in Grand Theft Auto III. Protect your vehicles and maintain them for missions.

Vehicle Garages & Customization

In Liberty City, your vehicles are more than just transportation; they're an extension of your criminal enterprise. Understanding how to utilize garages effectively is crucial for protecting your prized rides and even repairing them in a pinch. Unlike later Grand Theft Auto titles, customization options are limited to repairs and repainting, but knowing where and how to do this is key to longevity for your favorite cars.

Saving Vehicles in Garages

Garages serve as your personal parking spots, allowing you to store up to two vehicles safely. Any vehicle driven into a garage will be saved, even if you exit the game. This is invaluable for keeping rare or powerful vehicles from despawning or being destroyed.

  • Portland Island Garage: Your first accessible garage is located directly behind your hideout in the Red Light District on Portland Island. This is available from the very beginning of the game.
  • Staunton Island Garage: Once you unlock Staunton Island, you'll find another garage behind your safe house in Newport. This becomes available after completing the mission "Last Requests."
  • Shoreside Vale Garage: The final garage is situated behind your hideout in Wichita Gardens on Shoreside Vale. This becomes available after completing the mission "A Drop in the Ocean."

Strategy: Always park your most valuable vehicles in a garage before logging off or starting a particularly dangerous mission. This ensures they'll be there when you return. Remember, each garage can only hold two vehicles, so choose wisely!

Vehicle Repair & Repainting (Pay 'n' Spray)

The Pay 'n' Spray is your go-to destination for quick repairs and a fresh coat of paint, which also conveniently removes any wanted level you might have. This service comes at a small cost, but it's often worth it to escape the clutches of the LCPD or to restore a damaged vehicle to pristine condition.

Pay 'n' Spray Locations:

  • Portland Island:
    • Location: Saint Mark's, just south of the Luigi's Sex Club 7. It's easily identifiable by its distinctive garage door and neon sign.
    • Directions: From your Red Light District hideout, head east on the main road, then turn right into Saint Mark's. The Pay 'n' Spray will be on your left.
  • Staunton Island:
    • Location: Torrington, near the casino and the stadium.
    • Directions: From your Newport hideout, head south towards the casino district. The Pay 'n' Spray is usually found on a side street in this area.
  • Shoreside Vale:
    • Location: Pike Creek, close to the airport entrance.
    • Directions: From your Wichita Gardens hideout, head west towards Francis International Airport. The Pay 'n' Spray is located just before the main airport entrance.

How to Use Pay 'n' Spray:

  1. Drive your damaged vehicle into the open garage door of a Pay 'n' Spray.
  2. A short cutscene will play, and your vehicle will emerge fully repaired and with a new paint job.
  3. Your wanted level, if any, will be instantly cleared.
  4. A small fee (typically $100) will be deducted from your cash.

Strategy: The Pay 'n' Spray is an essential tool for evading the police. If you have a high wanted level, simply driving into a Pay 'n' Spray will clear it, allowing you to continue your activities without pursuit. It's also a cost-effective way to keep your favorite vehicles in top condition, especially after intense firefights or high-speed chases.