Simeon's Export Requests: A GTA Guide

Delving into Simeon's Export Requests in GTA Online

For many Grand Theft Auto Online players, Simeon Yetarian's automotive demands are a familiar, if sometimes frustrating, part of the game. From the moment you reach Rank 9 and secure your first Personal Vehicle tracker, Simeon's SMS messages begin, offering a seemingly simple way to earn some extra cash and Reputation Points (RP). However, as with most things in Los Santos, there's more to it than meets the eye. This guide will break down exactly how Simeon's Export Requests work, the vehicles involved, the rewards, and offer some strategic advice to make this a more efficient and less troublesome endeavour.

What are Simeon's Export Requests?

Simeon's Export Requests are a recurring freemode activity in GTA Online. Once unlocked at Rank 9, Simeon will, every 24 real-time hours, send you a text message listing a specific vehicle he wants acquired. Your task is to locate this vehicle, often found driving in ambient traffic or parked in known spawn locations, and deliver it to his garage at the docks. The catch? You'll usually incur a two-star wanted level upon stealing the car, and Simeon won't accept delivery if you're being pursued by the LSPD. You'll also need to get the vehicle resprayed at Los Santos Customs (LSC) before delivery.

The Process: Step-by-Step

Here's a breakdown of the typical workflow for fulfilling a Simeon's Export Request:

1. Receive the SMS: Keep an eye on your in-game phone. Simeon will text you with the vehicle he requires. There are eight different lists, each containing five vehicles, meaning a total of forty unique vehicles can be requested over time.
2. Locate the Vehicle: This is often the most time-consuming part. The requested cars are usually found driving around the city. Some specific models have more reliable spawn points, which can be researched online. Remember, the list is personalised, so other players might be after different cars.
3. Steal the Vehicle: Once you've found the correct car, steal it. Be prepared for an immediate two-star wanted level.
4. Evade the Police: You need to lose the wanted level before you can proceed. Common methods include driving into tunnels, off-road areas, or, most reliably, driving into a Los Santos Customs garage.
5. Respray the Vehicle: Take the stolen car to any Los Santos Customs. In the Enhanced Versions of the game, the respray is typically free, and any damage incurred will be reimbursed upon successful delivery. You only need to change the primary paint colour. Avoid expensive modifications, as they won't increase your payout.
6. Deliver to Simeon: Navigate to Simeon's garage at the docks. The location will be clearly marked on your GPS. Once delivered, you'll receive your cash reward and RP.

Can You Use a Personal Vehicle?

This is a common point of confusion. The short answer is no, you cannot use a Personal Vehicle (one with a tracker) to fulfill a Simeon order. Simeon specifically wants vehicles acquired directly from the street or his 'High Priority' spawns. Attempting to deliver your own car will result in Simeon refusing the delivery.

Vehicle Lists and Payouts

The vehicles requested and their payouts have evolved over GTA Online's lifespan. Here's a look at the general structure, with a focus on the Enhanced Versions (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S):

Enhanced Version (Post-Los Santos Summer Special Update v1.51)

This update significantly changed the vehicle lists. The lists now often include higher-value vehicles that would normally be considered "too hot" to take to Los Santos Customs. However, these still cannot be kept as Personal Vehicles after delivery.

Key Points:

• Repair any damage at LSC; costs are reimbursed on delivery.
• Respray is free, regardless of paint choice.
• Payout is 15% of the vehicle's retail value, capped at $20,000, plus reimbursement for repairs.
• Pre-modified vehicles can be exported, but don't necessarily yield higher profits than stock versions.

Original Version (PS3, Xbox 360)

This system was in place before the Los Santos Summer Special update and is now only relevant for historical reference as these platforms no longer support GTA Online.

Key Points:

• Vehicles were generally found in ambient traffic.
• A Personal Vehicle could NOT be used.
• Damage had to be repaired, with reimbursement upon delivery.
• Only the primary colour needed changing; secondary colours or performance upgrades did not increase payout and often resulted in a net loss.
• Avoid spending more than $780 on the respray to ensure profitability.

Example Payouts (Enhanced Version)

The following table provides an idea of vehicle values and potential payouts. Note that these are approximate and can vary slightly.

Note: 'Too Hot' vehicles cannot be sold at LSC for personal profit, but yield the maximum $20,000 payout from Simeon.

High Priority Vehicle Requests

These were special events in the Enhanced Versions, where a specific vehicle would be marked on everyone's map. These cars offered a higher reward but were also a race against other players in the session to acquire and deliver them. Importantly, High Priority vehicles could not be kept as Personal Vehicles.

Tips for Efficiency and Profit

• Call Lester: The quickest way to deal with the wanted level is to call Lester immediately after stealing the car and pay $400 to remove the stars. This saves significant time compared to evading them manually.
• Strategic LSC Choice: The Los Santos Customs in La Mesa is often recommended. It's relatively close to Simeon's docks, minimising the risk of damage during transit after the respray.
• Tunnel Tactics: After respraying at La Mesa LSC, taking the nearby train tracks south through the tunnel offers cover from potential griefers until you reach the docks.
• Passive Mode: You can undertake Simeon's requests while in Passive Mode. However, this does not protect you from other players using environmental hazards (like explosive barrels) against you, nor does it negate the wanted level gained when stealing the car.
• Combine with Exotic Exports: Sometimes, a vehicle on Simeon's list might also appear on the Exotic Exports list. You'll still need to respray for Simeon, but you gain flexibility in where you deliver it.
• Prioritise High-Value Cars: If you have a choice between several cars on your list, aim for those with higher potential payouts (the 'too hot' category cars) to maximise your time investment.
• Don't Over-Modify: Stick to the cheapest primary paint job. Any extra money spent on modifications or repairs beyond what's reimbursed will be a loss.

Common Issues and Workarounds

• Delivery Garage Not Opening: This can sometimes happen if another player is parked too close to the entrance. Ask them to move, or try exiting and re-entering the area. If you're experiencing prompt issues after respraying, try respraying the vehicle again at LSC.
• Crew Emblems: Applying a Crew emblem to a vehicle that isn't "too hot" can turn it into a Personal Vehicle, making it undeliverable. For "too hot" cars, it prevents the drop-off location from becoming active. Remove the emblem at LSC to proceed.
• Aggressive AI Traffic: Some players report that AI traffic becomes more erratic when you're carrying a Simeon car, especially after respraying. Be extra vigilant.
• Payout Issues: In the past, players sometimes received reduced payouts for the first delivery of the day. Rockstar Support advised changing sessions if this occurred.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use any car from my garage for Simeon's orders?

No, you must steal the specific vehicle requested by Simeon directly from the game world. Your own Personal Vehicles cannot be used.

Q2: Do I have to respray the car?

Yes, the vehicle must be taken to Los Santos Customs and have its primary paint colour changed before delivery to Simeon.

Q3: How much money can I earn from Simeon's requests?

You can earn up to $20,000 per delivery, plus reimbursement for repair costs incurred at LSC before the respray. The exact amount depends on the vehicle's value.

Q4: What happens if the car is damaged when I deliver it?

Simeon will make disparaging remarks. While repairs are reimbursed up to the point of respray, any damage sustained *after* the respray and during transit to his garage will reduce your final payout.

Q5: Can I deliver multiple cars from one list?

No, each delivery completes the current request. You must wait for Simeon's next SMS for a new order.

Simeon's Export Requests, while perhaps not the most lucrative activity in GTA Online today, remain a reliable and accessible way to earn some cash and RP, especially for newer players. By understanding the process and employing a few strategic tips, you can efficiently fulfil his demands and get back to the more exciting aspects of Los Santos.

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