06/07/2007
Mastering the Streets of New Bordeaux: Your Ultimate Mafia 3 Vehicle Guide
Welcome to New Bordeaux, a sprawling metropolis brimming with opportunity and danger. In Mafia 3, stepping into the shoes of Lincoln Clay means navigating a world where swift transportation and a reliable set of wheels are paramount to your success. From high-speed pursuits to strategic getaways, your vehicle is more than just a mode of transport; it's an extension of your will on the asphalt. This guide will delve deep into every aspect of vehicular management in Mafia 3, ensuring you're always one step ahead of the law and your rivals. We'll cover everything from the iconic Samson Drifter to the intricate details of upgrades, repairs, and the sheer variety of vehicles at your disposal.

A Fleet Like No Other: Vehicles in Mafia III
Mafia 3 boasts an impressive collection of over 75 distinct vehicles, encompassing everything from sleek passenger cars and rugged trucks to essential watercraft. Each model is presented in a multitude of colours, and you'll find them in varying states of repair – some pristine, others showing the wear and tear of a city that never sleeps. Many of these vehicles also offer both hardtop and convertible variants, with the latter featuring the option of the top being up or down. This variety ensures that no matter your preference or the mission at hand, there's a vehicle perfectly suited to the task.
Vehicle Management: Saving, Cleaning, and Repairing
One of the key aspects of managing your automotive assets in Mafia 3 is understanding how the game handles saving, cleaning, and repairs. Unlike many games, Mafia 3 doesn't allow you to manually store or save vehicles in a traditional sense. Instead, the game features a Vehicle Delivery service. This service provides access to up to 19 predetermined vehicles, which are unlocked through game progression or special bonuses. While the game does track your currently driven vehicle, even those not from the delivery menu, occasional glitches can occur, leading to the incorrect vehicle spawning after certain missions or game reloads.
Damage and dirt are inevitable on the streets of New Bordeaux. Fortunately, the game offers several automatic methods for keeping your ride in top condition:
Automatic Cleaning & Repair Methods:
- Big Rick's Custom Auto: Visiting any Big Rick's garage instantly cleans and repairs your vehicle, provided it was obtained through the Vehicle Delivery menu.
- Game Loading: Simply loading or reloading your game will see your current vehicle spawn in a fully cleaned and repaired state.
- Safehouses and Rackets: Entering any safehouse or racket location will automatically park your current vehicle in a designated spot, fully repairing it.
- Races: Commencing any New Bordeaux Racing event also ensures your vehicle is fully repaired.
Unleash Performance: Vehicle Modification in Mafia 3
While cosmetic customisation is somewhat limited, the performance and durability upgrades available in Mafia 3 can significantly impact your gameplay. These modifications are primarily accessed through two avenues: Big Rick's Custom Auto and your Underboss Favors.

Big Rick's Custom Auto: Cosmetic Enhancements
At Big Rick's, you can apply a range of cosmetic upgrades to vehicles from the Delivery menu. These include:
- New wheels
- Custom license plates
- Different paint jobs
- Spoilers
- Decals (some requiring DLC completion)
- Superchargers (cosmetic appearance only, performance aspects tied to Underboss favors)
It's important to note that most of these Big Rick's customisations, with the exception of gear ratios, are purely aesthetic and do not affect performance or handling. To truly enhance your vehicle's capabilities, you'll need to turn to your trusted underbosses.
Underboss Favors: Performance Upgrades
Vehicle performance modifications are unlocked as favors from your underbosses during the second and fourth district takeovers. If you don't receive them as free favors, they can later be purchased from the Arms Dealer after the district sitdown. These upgrades are exclusively for vehicles from the Vehicle Delivery menu.
Here's a breakdown of the performance upgrades offered by each underboss:
| Underboss | Upgrade | Effect | Availability | Cost (if not favored) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cassandra | Suspension Upgrade | Improves braking and cornering with enhanced grip. | Second District Takeover | $28,500 |
| Vehicle Armour | Increases vehicle durability and resistance to gunfire. | Fourth District Takeover | $30,000 | |
| Vito | Bodykit Upgrade | Increases top speed with a minor boost to acceleration. | Second District Takeover | $28,500 |
| Supercharger | Significantly boosts top speed and acceleration. | Fourth District Takeover | $30,000 | |
| Burke | Drivetrain Upgrade | Boosts acceleration with a smaller bump to top speed. | Second District Takeover | $28,500 |
| Bulletproof Tires | Prevents tires from being shot out by enemies. | Fourth District Takeover | $30,000 |
Important Note on Upgrades:
After unlocking a new upgrade, you must have a new vehicle delivered from the menu for the changes to take effect. Be aware that the bulletproof tires upgrade is currently known to be buggy; it may reset after loading or reloading the game. Ordering another vehicle from the delivery menu should rectify this.

Achievements: A Driving Force
Mafia 3 and its DLCs feature a number of vehicle-related achievements that test your driving skills and your ability to creatively use your vehicles in combat:
Base Mafia III Game Achievements:
- The Code 112: Steal a police car.
- The Custom 358: Drive at 120 mph or faster for 20 seconds.
- The New Bordeaux Drifter: Drift in a vehicle for at least 5 seconds.
- The One Good Turn: Make a 180-degree turn at high speed without hitting anything.
- The Testing the Shocks: Perform a 50-meter jump and land on your wheels.
- The Wrecker: Kill 10 enemies with a vehicle.
- Campaign Strategy: Destroy 10 of Slim's re-election billboards by jumping through them with a vehicle.
DLC Achievements:
- Stones Unturned - Did I Forget Something?: Place an unconscious person in the trunk of a car.
- Sign of the Times - Street Rocket: Drive 50 km in the Samson Harrier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the name of the most iconic car in Mafia 3?
The Samson Drifter is a frequently mentioned and iconic vehicle within Mafia 3, also appearing in Mafia: Definitive Edition.
Q2: How many vehicles are there in Mafia 3?
Mafia 3 features over 75 passenger cars, trucks, and watercraft.
Q3: Can I save my custom car in Mafia 3?
No, you cannot manually save vehicles. However, the game does have a Vehicle Delivery service that provides access to unlocked vehicles. Your currently driven vehicle is also tracked, though occasional bugs can occur upon reloading.

Q4: How do I repair my car in Mafia 3?
Cars are automatically repaired when you visit Big Rick's Custom Auto, enter a safehouse or racket, or start a race. Reloading the game also fully repairs your current vehicle.
Q5: What kind of performance upgrades can I get for my car?
You can unlock suspension upgrades, vehicle armour, bodykits, superchargers, drivetrain upgrades, and bulletproof tires through your underbosses. These significantly improve your vehicle's handling, durability, and speed.
Q6: Does Mafia 3 have visual car customisation?
While the base game offers limited visual customisation (paint, decals, wheels, license plates via Big Rick's), the game received a free DLC pack that added more cosmetic options. However, performance upgrades are distinct from these cosmetic changes.
Conclusion
Navigating the treacherous streets of New Bordeaux is an integral part of the Mafia 3 experience. By understanding the nuances of vehicle acquisition, maintenance, and enhancement, you can ensure Lincoln Clay's rise to power is as smooth and stylish as possible. Whether you're performing daring stunts for achievements or simply cruising through the city, your vehicle is a crucial tool in your arsenal. Keep your wheels clean, your engine tuned, and your tires ready for anything the criminal underworld throws at you!
If you want to read more articles similar to Mafia 3 Vehicle Guide, you can visit the Automotive category.
