Navigating the Roads and Waterways of My Summer Car

My Summer Car, as its name so perfectly suggests, places you in the driver's seat of a rather unique automotive experience. The star of the show, your very own summer car, is not a gleaming showroom model but a collection of parts that you, the player, must painstakingly assemble. This journey of restoration is at the heart of the game, but it's far from the only way to get around. The world of My Summer Car is populated with a diverse array of vehicles, each with its own quirks, uses, and sometimes, its own set of challenges. From nimble motorbikes to robust tractors and even a trusty boat, understanding these vehicles is key to survival and success in this Finnish automotive adventure.

This guide will delve into the various vehicles you'll encounter, focusing on those you can actually drive. We'll cover how to find them, the best ways to utilise their capabilities, and importantly, their limitations. Whether you're looking to earn some much-needed cash, simply traverse the island, or perhaps impress the locals, knowing your way around the vehicle roster is essential. Get ready to get your hands dirty and your engine running!

The Player's Personal Fleet

These are the vehicles that belong to you, the player. They are the foundation of your mobility and often, your livelihood.

The Satsuma AMP: The Project Car

The Satsuma AMP is your primary objective. This small Japanese car, inspired by the Datsun Sunny (Datsun Cherry F-II E20), is a blank canvas waiting for your mechanical expertise. It starts as a collection of components, scattered around your property, and it's your job to find, clean, and meticulously assemble every single part. The Satsuma is powered by a 1.0L (988 cc) inline four-cylinder gasoline engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. While it might seem humble, especially in its initial, disassembled state, restoring it to its former glory, complete with a luxurious trim, is a deeply rewarding experience. Mastering the assembly and maintenance of the Satsuma is fundamental to progressing in the game.

The Kekmet: The Workhorse Tractor

For those tasks requiring a bit more brute force, the Kekmet tractor is your go-to. Found in the woodshed next to your house, this Finnish Valmet 502-inspired machine is indispensable for several key jobs. Its primary functions involve delivering firewood and transporting hay bales, crucial for earning money. Furthermore, its front lift is invaluable for raising the Satsuma, providing much-needed access to its undercarriage for repairs and modifications. The Kekmet also comes equipped with a warning triangle, a mandatory item for passing vehicle inspections. Its sturdy build and towing capabilities make it a true asset.

The Trailer: The Cargo Carrier

A necessary companion to the Kekmet, the trailer is another owned vehicle. Also located in the woodshed, its purpose is straightforward: to haul goods. When delivering firewood, it serves as storage, and during haybale deliveries, it transports the precious cargo. While not a vehicle in the traditional sense, its utility is undeniable.

The Hayosiko Pace: The Versatile Van

Modelled after the Hino Poncho, the Hayosiko Pace is a van that belonged to your uncle. It's a testament to years of hard work, evident in its rusty condition and the considerable diesel fumes it produces. Its suspension is notably soft, hinting at its past labour. To get behind the wheel, you'll need to retrieve the keys from your uncle. This van offers a different kind of utility, suitable for various tasks and providing a more robust alternative to the Satsuma.

The Gifu 405 T: The Septic Service Truck

Another of your uncle's possessions, the Gifu 405 T is a powerful vacuum truck. Like the Hayosiko, you'll need to obtain the keys from your uncle. This three-axle beast, based on a Finnish Sisu truck, is essential for septic tank pumping jobs, a lucrative way to earn money. Its turbocharged diesel engine provides ample power for its demanding tasks.

The Boat (Tarja): The Aquatic Explorer

For navigating the waterways, the boat, affectionately nicknamed "Tarja" (a nod to the Finnish outboard engine brand "Terhi"), is your vessel. Docked in Kesselinperä, it's equipped with an outboard engine that runs on two-stroke fuel. The boat is not only the safest but also the fastest way to reach Teimo's shop, making it a vital link for supplies and other necessities.

The Jonnez ES: The Speedy Moped

The Jonnez ES moped, inspired by the Suzuki ER, is a nippy two-wheeled option. With a top speed of 90 km/h and a four-speed gearbox, it's perfect for zipping around the island. It's powered by an 80cc two-stroke engine, requiring two-stroke fuel, readily available at Teimo's shop. The name "Jonnez" is a playful reference to the Finnish term for a teenager who rides a moped and drinks energy drinks, capturing the spirit of youthful freedom.

Vehicles Owned by Other Characters

These vehicles aren't yours by right, but you can sometimes borrow or win them.

The Burnet Ferndale: The Borrowed Muscle

Resembling a Dodge Charger, the Burnet Ferndale is an American muscle car you might encounter parked outside Fleetari's Repair Shop. Fleetari, the owner, may offer you the chance to borrow it while your Satsuma is being serviced. Unlike most other vehicles in the game, the Ferndale features a three-speed automatic transmission, offering a different driving experience.

The RCO Ruscko: The Risky Acquisition

The RCO Ruscko, based on a 1960s Soviet Moskvitch 408, is found in a shed at the Ventti house. To get behind the wheel, you'll need to win its keys by playing Ventti, a card game with a high-stakes bet. Be warned, you'll need to risk your own Satsuma to potentially win this car. Alternatively, a screwdriver from your spanner or ratchet set can also start it.

The Arvo-Algotson 3000: The Slow Giant

The Arvo-Algotson 3000 is a combine harvester, essential for a specific farm job. It is, by far, the slowest vehicle in the game. You can only use it for work after earning the owner's trust by completing the haybale delivery job. Once that trust is established, you can interact with and drive it at your leisure.

Non-Drivable Vehicles: Observers on the Road

These vehicles share the roads with you, but you can't control them. Some offer a ride, others are simply part of the scenery.

NPC-Controlled Vehicles

Several vehicles are driven by Non-Player Characters (NPCs). These include:

• The EDM 500LX: Seen at the dance pavilion on Saturday nights, driven by Kuski. The player can ride in the back, getting a lift home, similar to Pena's Fittan.
• Pena's Fittan: Based on the Ford Taunus TC, its primary use is for hitchhiking or towing. Only the right door opens.
• The Ricochet: A modified Toyota Carina 1600 ST, often seen outside Teimo's shop and the Dance Pavilion on weekend nights.
• The Svoboda 180: A battered-looking vehicle based on the Lada VAZ-2101. It features a checkered roof, black hood, red spoiler, leopard-themed interior, and rear-wheel drive with a 5-speed manual transmission.
• Teimo's Bike: A non-player operable bicycle, based on the Flying Pigeon PA-02, used by Teimo for his commute.
• The Bus: An NPC-driven Scania Kutter BF9 that travels clockwise around the highway, stopping at designated bus stops. A ride costs 25 mk.
• The Beer Lorry (Gifu variant): A non-driveable Gifu truck seen on the highway, based on a Finnish Sisu M-162.
• The Red Fittan: A non-driveable Fittan, based on the Ford Taunus TC, often seen on the highway with custom wheels and a slightly higher-pitched engine sound than the Satsuma. A wrecked version exists at Fleetari's.
• The White Pölsa: A non-driveable vehicle based on the first-generation Volkswagen Passat (B1), seen driving on the highway.
• Victras: Non-driveable vehicles based on the Ford Taunus (various models), frequently seen around Alivieska and on the highway.
• The Techno Victra: A distinctive bright green Ford Taunus with red rims, known for its aggressive and reckless driving style.
• The Caravan Pölsa: A Pölsa towing a Solifer trailer, which can detach and cause road hazards.
• Lamores: Non-driveable vehicles based on the Toyota Corolla E80, appearing in three colour schemes.

Rally Cars

These performance-oriented vehicles appear during the Saturday and Sunday Rally Sprint Race events:

• The Orca: A modified Opel Manta B2 coupe.
• The Pollo: A modified Toyota Starlet KP60 hatchback.
• The Costo: A modified Ford Escort Mark II saloon.

Drag Cars

These specialised vehicles are present on Fridays at the airfield for drag racing events:

• The Masser Y: Based on a Morris 12 Y-type modified for wheelies, this is the fastest vehicle in My Summer Car.
• The Covina: A modified Chevrolet Bel Air built for drag racing, known for its rapid acceleration.

Wrecked and Abandoned Vehicles

These vehicles are beyond repair in their current state but can be sold for parts or scrap.

Sellable Car Wrecks

These can be towed to Fleetari for a payout:

• The abandoned Fairlane: Heavily rusted, sells for 3,200 mk.
• The abandoned Firebird: Missing many parts but fetches the highest price at 4,500 mk.
• The abandoned Model T: Mostly just a frame, sells for 2,000 mk.
• The abandoned Satsuma GT: Lacking an engine and wheels, sells for 1,200 mk.

Wrecks at the Repair Shop and Yards

Various wrecks are found scattered around Fleetari's and Toivo Kesseli's yards, often missing crucial parts or in a state of severe disrepair. These include abandoned Fittans, Gifus, Kekmets, Pölsas, and Svoboda 180s, serving more as environmental details or potential, albeit difficult, sources of parts.

Removed Vehicles

Some vehicles have been removed from the game in various updates:

• The Fury (drag car)
• The logging variant of the Gifu
• The yellow Hayosiko
• The dirt track Satsuma
• Early highway traffic variants

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I get the keys for the Hayosiko or the Gifu?
A1: You need to obtain the keys from your uncle. They are usually found at his house.

Q2: Where can I find the boat?
A2: The boat, Tarja, is docked in Kesselinperä.

Q3: What is the fastest car in My Summer Car?
A3: The Masser Y, found at the airfield on Fridays, is the fastest vehicle in the game.

Q4: Can I repair the abandoned car wrecks?
A4: While some might be salvageable with extensive effort, they are primarily intended to be towed to Fleetari for cash.

Q5: How do I start the RCO Ruscko?
A5: You can win the keys by playing Ventti, or use a screwdriver from your toolset to start it.

If you want to read more articles similar to My Summer Car: Vehicle Guide, you can visit the Automotive category.