Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into one of the early missions in Grand Theft Auto V that many players encounter: the Los Santos Customs mission. This mission isn't just a simple drive-and-drop; it introduces you to the world of vehicle customization and sets the stage for future heists and vehicular mayhem. Whether you're a newcomer to Los Santos or a seasoned player looking for a refresher, this guide will walk you through every step of the mission, offering tips and tricks to make it a breeze.

Getting Started with Los Santos Customs

The Los Santos Customs mission pops up fairly early in the game, right after you complete the prologue and the mission titled "Franklin and Lamar." Once you've wrapped those up, you'll find yourself playing as Franklin, hanging out with Lamar. The mission is essentially a tutorial designed to get you familiar with Los Santos Customs, a chain of auto shops scattered throughout the game world where you can modify and repair your vehicles. The mission is initiated when Franklin receives a call from Simeon Yetarian, his boss at Premium Deluxe Motorsport. Simeon tasks Franklin and Lamar with repossessing a yellow Bumblebee car from a guy named Jermaine. Of course, things are never that simple in Los Santos. First things first, after the call, get in your car and drive to the location marked on your GPS. Once you arrive at Jermaine’s place, a short cutscene will play out, showing Franklin and Lamar “convincing” Jermaine to part ways with his beloved Bumblebee. This part is pretty straightforward, but it sets the tone for the chaotic escapades that define GTA V. Once you’ve acquired the vehicle, the real fun begins.

Driving the Bumblebee

Okay, so you’ve got the Bumblebee. Now what? Simeon wants you to deliver the car to Los Santos Customs for some “modifications.” This is where the game introduces you to the basics of vehicle customization. The drive to Los Santos Customs isn’t too long, but it gives you a chance to get a feel for the car. Pay attention to how it handles; each vehicle in GTA V has its unique characteristics, and this mission is a subtle way of teaching you that. The GPS will guide you to the nearest Los Santos Customs shop. Keep an eye on the minimap and follow the route. Watch out for traffic and pedestrians – you don’t want to cause too much chaos before you even get to the shop! As you approach Los Santos Customs, you’ll see a garage door icon on your minimap. Drive into the garage, and a cutscene will trigger, introducing you to the shop’s mechanics and the array of customization options available.

Customizing the Vehicle

Once inside Los Santos Customs, you’ll be presented with a menu of options. Simeon wants you to perform specific modifications to the car, which are essentially tutorials on what you can do at these shops. First, you’ll need to change the license plates. Navigate through the menu to the license plate section and select a new plate. This is a simple change, but it’s a necessary step in the mission. Next up, you’ll need to give the car a new paint job. Head over to the respray option in the menu and choose a new color for the Bumblebee. Simeon doesn’t specify which color to choose, so feel free to pick something that catches your eye. This is your first taste of personalization in GTA V, so make it count! Finally, Simeon wants you to install new wheels. Go to the wheels section and select a set of rims that you like. Again, there’s no specific requirement here, so go wild and pick something that suits your style. After completing these modifications, you’ll get a feel for how much customization is possible in GTA V. Remember, these are just the basics. As you progress through the game, you’ll unlock even more options, including performance upgrades, body modifications, and more. Once you’ve completed all the required customizations, exit the menu. The game will prompt you to leave Los Santos Customs and deliver the modified vehicle to Simeon.

Delivering the Modified Vehicle

With the Bumblebee sporting its new look, it’s time to take it back to Simeon at Premium Deluxe Motorsport. Follow the GPS route to Simeon’s dealership. The drive back is straightforward, but stay alert. The streets of Los Santos can be unpredictable, and you don’t want to damage the car before you deliver it. Keep an eye on the minimap for any unexpected turns or obstacles. When you arrive at Premium Deluxe Motorsport, drive the Bumblebee into the designated spot. A short cutscene will play, showing Simeon inspecting the car. He seems pleased with your work, but of course, there’s always a catch. Simeon informs Franklin and Lamar that he’s not going to pay them the full amount he promised. This sets off a chain of events that leads to further missions and escalates the conflict between Franklin, Lamar, and Simeon. After the cutscene, the mission is complete, and you’ll receive your payment (albeit a reduced one). You’ll also unlock Los Santos Customs as a place where you can freely customize your vehicles throughout the game.

Tips and Tricks for the Mission

• Save Money: The modifications cost money, so make sure you have enough cash before starting the mission. If you’re running low, you can earn some quick money by completing side activities or replaying previous missions. The cost of the modifications in this mission is relatively low, but it’s a good habit to get into. As you progress through the game, vehicle customization can become quite expensive, so it’s always good to have a healthy bank balance.
• Explore Options: Take your time in the Los Santos Customs menu. Experiment with different colors, wheels, and other modifications to see what’s available. This is a great way to familiarize yourself with the customization options and find your personal style. Remember, the options available at Los Santos Customs will expand as you progress through the game, so there’s always something new to discover.
• Drive Carefully: Avoid damaging the car on the way to Los Santos Customs and back to Premium Deluxe Motorsport. The more damaged the car is, the less money you’ll receive at the end of the mission. Pay attention to the road and avoid reckless driving. If you do accidentally damage the car, you can always repair it at Los Santos Customs before delivering it to Simeon, but that will cost you extra money.
• Pay Attention to the Dialogue: The dialogue in GTA V is often humorous and provides valuable insights into the characters and storyline. Pay attention to what Franklin, Lamar, and Simeon are saying. Their interactions set the stage for future events and give you a better understanding of their motivations.

Why This Mission Matters

The Los Santos Customs mission is more than just a simple tutorial. It’s a gateway to one of the most engaging aspects of GTA V: vehicle customization. This mission teaches you the basics of modifying your cars, but it also opens up a world of possibilities. As you progress through the game, you’ll find yourself spending countless hours tweaking and perfecting your rides, making them faster, more durable, and more stylish. Vehicle customization isn’t just about aesthetics; it also affects performance. Upgrading your engine, brakes, and suspension can make a significant difference in races and heists. A well-tuned vehicle can give you the edge you need to outrun the cops, escape from rival gangs, and complete challenging missions. Moreover, the Los Santos Customs mission introduces you to the shady dealings of Simeon Yetarian. Simeon is a key figure in the early stages of the game, and his interactions with Franklin and Lamar set the stage for future conflicts. This mission is just the beginning of a long and complicated relationship, filled with betrayal, deception, and plenty of high-octane action.

Final Thoughts

The Los Santos Customs mission is a crucial early step in Grand Theft Auto V. It not only teaches you the basics of vehicle customization but also introduces you to key characters and sets the stage for the game's overarching storyline. By following this guide and mastering the tips and tricks, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges that lie ahead in Los Santos. So, buckle up, hit the gas, and get ready for a wild ride!

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or new to the world of Los Santos, understanding the nuances of this mission will enhance your gameplay experience and set you on the path to becoming a true GTA V pro. Happy gaming, and see you in Los Santos!