Welcome back to the chaotic brilliance of car tinkering in Car Mechanic Simulator, where ambition meets grease, and the results range from outrageous power builds to catastrophic disappointment. In this edition, we dive into the hands-on misadventures of tuning two very different beasts: a nearly complete Honda Civic and the stubbornly underwhelming Volkswagen Bora. This is your in-depth, real-world-style walkthrough — one part car builder’s diary, one part tragicomedy of mechanical errors, all 100% useful if you want to get the most out of your garage.
Finishing the Civic: Almost There, Almost Yellow
First up, our loyal Civic — a lean, mean, modestly upgraded machine that’s just shy of perfection. The shell’s complete, the internals are ready, and it’s time to give it that final touch: a bright yellow paint job. While cosmetic, color does matter. It sets the tone for how you present your build, and a bold choice like yellow says, “Yes, I’m fast, and yes, I want to be seen.”
After slapping on the proper-sized wheels (the old ones just didn’t cut it), the Civic is road-ready. But remember: nothing speaks performance like balance. Don’t just eyeball the wheel size — always verify rim dimensions, tire profiles, and ensure you’re not creating a recipe for unintentional understeer.
The Bor Begins: A Dream Build That Shouldn’t Be
Switching gears, we turn our attention to the Volkswagen Bora — not the legendary 1.9 TDI variant, but the 1.4L underdog. It needs everything: an engine, gearbox, drive shaft, and the whole works. But there’s a dream: a vision of turning this pedestrian ride into a racing monster.
With tuning parts already lined up, the engine slides in, the gearbox connects, and the fluids get topped off. This is where things start going sideways. Missing components like a starter motor, a race seat, or the literal fuel tank quickly humble even the most enthusiastic builder. Here’s your takeaway: always double-check your build sheet. Car Mechanic Simulator doesn’t forgive forgetfulness.
Once everything’s bolted in and the juices are flowing, the engine roars to life. Briefly. Then comes the harsh reality: no turbo compatibility. Despite your dreams of spool heaven, the Bora just isn’t built for boost. Instead, go wild with body kits, angry headlights, blackout taillights, and massive spoilers. If you can’t go fast, at least look fast.
Wheeling and Dealing: Flipping on a Budget
Without enough funds to turbocharge dreams, it’s time to take on customer jobs — like tuning a Citroën C1 with a laughably loud engine or changing fluids in a tragically maintained S2000. These gigs keep the lights on. Every grand matters, especially when you’re eyeing 21” rims and racing slicks that don’t even fit the car.
Here’s a strategy: test drive every job vehicle. It’s not just fun — it helps you hear problems, spot handling issues, and ensures you’re not handing back a lemon with a new coat of wax.
Barn Finds: Treasure Hunts or Trash Dives?
With access to barn finds unlocked at level 14, expectations soar. You imagine rare cars and free parts galore. The reality? Paying 70 grand for a beat-up Diablo or discovering that a “find” means purchasing whatever you unearth. Still, there’s value — from McLaren clamshells to Honda S2000 parts, you can accumulate collectibles or turn a quick profit.
Pro tip: Always scan for hidden gems. Even a fuel rail or tail light can tip the balance when margins are razor-thin.
Junkyard Shenanigans and the Art of the Flip
The junkyard is your best friend and your worst enemy. On a good day, you’ll pick up a crusty Mustang or Salem Flo for peanuts and flip it for thousands. On a bad day, you’ll walk away with a car that requires 7k in repairs to make 531 quid profit.
But here’s the hustle: wash the car, repair the rust, detail what little interior remains, and see the value spike. Even small improvements matter. Think like a real estate flipper — curb appeal counts, even in car sales.
Bora vs Civic: The Power Lap Showdown
Finally, the real test — which build reigns supreme? The Civic, finely tuned, pulls hard but suffers from wheel alignment issues and catastrophic understeer. Still, it clocks a decent 1:44.1 lap. The Bor, despite its flashy 21” slicks and full tuning, fails to deliver. Tons of grip, sure — but speed? Lacking. It crawls to a two-minute lap and confirms what we feared: without the right engine, it’s all show and no go.
Moral of the story? Performance tuning starts with a solid foundation. Don’t waste your best parts on a bad base.
Final Thoughts: Live, Learn, Build Again
Every mechanic in Car Mechanic Simulator knows the grind. Some builds are hits, others are memes on wheels. But with each failed turbo attempt or rusted-out junker, you get better. You earn experience. You refine your garage strategy.
And if all else fails, just rebrand as a Renault garage and let the dust settle on your dreams.
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