How To Buy An Auto Shop In GTA 5 Online

If you’re thinking about expanding your empire in GTA Online, the Auto Shop is one of the smartest investments you can make. Instead of spending cash on a standard garage, the Auto Shop gives you everything in one place — a 10-car storage space, a vehicle customization workshop, and access to high-paying contracts that can boost your income fast. Beyond just a business, it’s also a hub for car enthusiasts, offering missions, upgrades, and ways to earn passive profits while modifying rides. In this guide, we’ll go over how to buy an Auto Shop, the best locations to choose, how contracts work, and which upgrades are worth every dollar if you want to make the most money possible.

How To Unlock The Auto Shops In GTA Online

To unlock the ability to buy an Auto Shop in GTA Online, you first need to visit the LS Car Meet. Head to the yellow “LS” icon on your map located in La Mesa — this is where the car community hangs out. Once you arrive, enter the warehouse to trigger a short cutscene introducing you to Mimi, the head of the Car Meet. After this introduction, the Auto Shop will become available for purchase through the Maze Bank Foreclosures website on your in-game phone. You’ll also get the option to buy an LS Car Meet membership for $50,000. It’s a one-time investment that gives you access to trade prices on vehicles and unlocks exclusive customization options, making it well worth the price.

All Auto Shop Locations In GTA Online

When choosing an Auto Shop in GTA Online, you don’t need to worry about performance differences — all locations function exactly the same. The only real factor to consider is price, since saving money upfront means you’ll have more to invest in upgrades like staff, a car lift, and personal quarters. There are five Auto Shops available across Los Santos, each with its own price tag.

Mission Row Auto Shop – $1,670,000 (up to $3,430,000 fully upgraded)
Located in the heart of downtown, perfect for quick access to city contracts.

Strawberry Auto Shop – $1,705,000 (up to $3,465,000 fully upgraded)
Close to major highways, offering easy routes for deliveries and client missions.

Rancho Auto Shop – $1,750,000 (up to $3,510,000 fully upgraded)
A solid mid-range option with good proximity to heist setups and central areas.

Burton Auto Shop – $1,830,000 (up to $3,590,000 fully upgraded)
A stylish spot near high-end districts, great for those who want a premium vibe.

La Mesa Auto Shop – $1,920,000 (up to $3,680,000 fully upgraded)
The priciest location, but it’s conveniently located near the LS Car Meet, saving you travel time.

Overall, every Auto Shop offers the same features, so go with the one that fits your budget best and save the extra cash for upgrades that actually boost your profits.

Which Auto Shop Upgrades Should You Buy In GTA Online?

When setting up your Auto Shop in GTA Online, several upgrades can enhance both the look and functionality of your business. While not every option affects profit directly, a few are worth the investment if you want to run things efficiently and stylishly.

Style Upgrades – These control the overall design theme of your Auto Shop, from industrial to flashy street racer aesthetics. While they don’t boost income, they make your workspace feel more personal. Options like Race and Chase or Wildstyle are among the most expensive, while Standard comes free.

Tint Upgrades – You can also change the color scheme of your Auto Shop to match your taste or crew theme. Every tint costs the same $187,500 (except Yellow, which is free), so it’s purely a visual choice.

Emblem Upgrades – Add personality to your business with a custom emblem. Whether you prefer your Crew Emblem for free or premium designs like Joystick or Wildstyle, these options let you show off your brand’s identity.

Staff Upgrades – These are some of the most useful additions. You can hire up to two staff members ($385,000 each) to deliver modified cars to clients automatically. They take a small commission, but they save time, allowing you to make passive income while focusing on other activities.

Extra Upgrades – The Personal Quarters ($340,000) lets you spawn directly inside your Auto Shop and provides a bed, gun locker, and wardrobe. The Car Lift ($650,000) is a great upgrade if you have two staff members since it allows you to modify and deliver two customer vehicles at once.

If you’re on a budget, focus on functional upgrades like the Staff and Car Lift first, then invest in aesthetics later to make your Auto Shop look as impressive as it performs.

What Are Auto Shop Clients In GTA Online?

In GTA Online, Auto Shop clients are NPC customers who randomly send their vehicles to your workshop for customization. As you go about your regular activities in Los Santos, you’ll occasionally receive a message notifying you that a client has dropped off their car. Once you return to your Auto Shop, you’ll see the vehicle parked inside, ready for modifications. Your goal is to tune the car according to the customer’s exact requests—everything from performance upgrades to cosmetic details. After completing the job, you can deliver the vehicle back to its owner for a solid payout. If you’ve hired staff, they can handle deliveries for you, allowing you to earn passive income while focusing on other profitable missions or heists.

What Are Contracts In GTA Online?

In GTA Online, Auto Shop Contracts are the main source of income for your business and can be accessed from the job board inside your shop. These missions function like mini-heists, offering quick, action-packed jobs that are both fun and profitable. Each contract involves different objectives—such as robbing banks, stealing valuable goods, or taking out high-profile targets—and usually consists of a few setup missions followed by a big finale. There are six types of contracts available: The Bank Contract, The Data Contract, The Superdollar Contract, The Prison Contract, The Agency Contract, and The ECU Contract. You’ll always see three random contracts on your board at a time, and they refresh periodically, giving you new opportunities to earn money. Completing them not only boosts your profits but also increases your reputation within the Los Santos underground scene.

Conclusion

Buying an Auto Shop in GTA 5 Online is one of the smartest investments you can make if you’re looking to expand your criminal empire and boost your income. It’s far more than just a stylish garage — it’s a fully functional business that lets you modify vehicles, complete profitable contracts, and earn passive income through client deliveries. With the right upgrades and staff, your Auto Shop becomes both a money-making hub and a centerpiece of your operations in Los Santos. Whether you’re chasing big heist payouts or simply want a place to customize your dream cars, owning an Auto Shop is the perfect blend of business and pleasure in GTA Online.