Virtual spaces of Britain in Forza Horizon 4 offer players not only unrestrained racing on wet grass, but also a deep system of collecting cars. For many enthusiasts, the key to progress is the opportunity to acquire a coveted model that cannot be won as a prize. This is where it comes into play car showroom, which is a digital storefront with thousands of cars. Understanding the mechanics of how it works and how to navigate it is critical for anyone looking to build a complete garage.
Unlike previous parts of the series, in the fourth part access to purchasing new cars is not open from the first second. The game requires you to initially get acquainted with the world, complete starting races and reach a certain level prestige. Only after completing the introductory phase does the purchasing functionality become fully available. This is done so that the player has time to master the basic physics and economics of the project before spending millions of credits on exotics.
There are several ways to interact with the automotive market, each of which has its own characteristics. You can visit physical locations on the map, use the built-in pause menu, or access the auction. Horizon Superstore opens only after reaching level 3 of your Horizon Life account, which is a key threshold for entry into the world of commerce. Next, we will analyze each method in detail so that you do not have any questions about where to look for the required interface.
Physical location: Horizontal Supermarket
The first and most atmospheric way to purchase a vehicle is to visit a physical point on the world map. Horizon Superstore is presented in the form of a building with a characteristic sign, which can be found on the map. After you reach the required level, special icons will appear on the map indicating these outlets. They are usually located near starting zones or large populated areas to make it convenient for the player to get to them.
To enter the building, you need to drive to a special area marked on the ground and press the corresponding interaction button. At this point, the game will load the store interface, where you can browse the available models. It is noteworthy that the assortment in the physical location may differ from what is available through the menu, especially when it comes to seasonal offers. Some players prefer this method for the sake of the surroundings and the opportunity to examine the car up close before purchasing.
It is important to consider that the physical store operates in real time in the game world. If you're online, there may be other players inside the building, adding an element of social interaction. However, if your goal is to make a quick purchase without unnecessary visuals, this method may seem less effective than using the quick menu.
Use the "Go to location" function on the map to quickly teleport to the nearest car dealership if you have already opened that region.
Purchasing through the main menu: quick access
The most practical and frequently used way to purchase cars is to use the game's system menu. You don't need to go anywhere or waste time on the road. Simply press the menu button on your controller or the Esc key on your keyboard to open the navigation bar. Here, among the tabs with settings and career, there is a section Car showroom (or Car Festival / Autoshow depending on the translation version and menu context).
The menu interface allows you to filter cars by class, manufacturer, year of manufacture and drive type. This greatly speeds up the search for the specific model you are planning to buy. You can sort the list by price, power or rating, which makes navigating through the catalog of hundreds of pieces of equipment convenient and logical. In addition, all available paint and tuning options are displayed here, which can be applied immediately after purchase.
Using the menu is especially important during seasonal events when you need to quickly purchase a specific vehicle to complete weekly tasks. You don't have to waste game time traveling halfway across the map if the necessary transport can be purchased in a couple of clicks. However, remember that accessing the full catalog through the menu still requires first opening the car dealership feature through game progress.
☑️ Purchase algorithm through the menu
Auction and search for rare items
Not all vehicles are available for direct purchase with credits from a standard dealership. Some rare models, cars with unique body kits or special editions can only be found on Auction. This is a section where players offer their cars for sale to other community members. To get here, you need to select the appropriate “Auction” or “Search” tab in the car dealership menu.
Here you can search for a specific model, indicating the year of manufacture, color and even pumping level. This is a great way to find a car that already has a rare perk or unique vinyl that is not available in the standard editor. However, auction prices can be significantly higher than the base cost of the car, as they are determined by the supply and demand of players.
When participating in an auction, it is important to keep an eye on the timer. You place a bid, and if no one outbids you within a certain period of time, you get the car. If you are interrupted, you can raise the bid or refuse the purchase. This is a dynamic process that requires attentiveness and the availability of available funds in the account.
⚠️ Attention: When buying cars at auction, check the seller's rating and the car's history. Sometimes players put up for sale “junk” copies with poor tuning at an inflated price, hoping that buyers will not pay attention.
Seasonal festival and exclusive cars
One of the key features Forza Horizon 4 is the change of seasons and associated festivals. The list of available rewards is updated every week, including exclusive cars that cannot be purchased in the usual way. To gain access to these machines, you must participate in Seasonal festival, which takes place in a special location on the map.
As part of the festival, you complete a series of challenges. For completing certain stages (for example, 40, 80 and 100% of season progress) you receive new cars as prizes. Some of these cars may later appear in the showroom for credits, but they often remain exclusive to those who managed to take part in the event.
In addition, the seasonal festival menu has a section called the “Seasonal Rewards Store”, where you can buy unique cars, clothes and emojis for influence points (Seasonal Points). This store is updated weekly, so it's worth checking its inventory regularly to make sure you don't miss out on a rare item.
Comparison of car purchasing methods
For ease of navigation and choosing the optimal purchasing method, we will consider the main differences between the available methods. Each of them has its own advantages depending on the player’s current goals: whether you need to quickly buy a standard car or are you hunting for a rarity.
A physical store is good for newbies who want to feel part of the world. The menu is indispensable for experienced players who value time. An auction is the only way for collectors looking for unique pieces with history.
| Method | Availability | Assortment | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon Superstore (Physical) | From level 3 | Standard + Seasonal | Low (need to go) |
| Car Showroom Menu | From level 3 | Full catalog | High (instant) |
| Auction | From level 3 | Custom (rarities) | Average (search + bidding) |
| Seasonal Festival | Constantly | Exclusives of the week | Depends on task completion |
As can be seen from the table, the car dealership menu is the most universal tool. However, you should not ignore other methods, especially if you are striving for 100% completion of the game. Combining these approaches allows you to manage your fleet as efficiently as possible.
The secret to getting rich quick
Race in "The Eliminator" or complete weekly challenges in "Horizon Life" mode to earn large amounts of credits and Super Wheelspins, which often drop rare cars for free.
Economics: loans and budget management
Buying cars in Forza Horizon 4 requires significant financial investments. Prices for top models can reach 2.5 million credits. Therefore, budget management becomes an important part of the gameplay. The main sources of income are participation in races, performing stunts (Skill Score), selling cars at auction and Wheels of Fortune.
It is recommended not to spend all your money on one machine at once if you are just starting out. It is better to purchase several universal cars of different classes, which will allow you to win in different types of races and earn more. Investing in real estate, which can also be purchased through the menu, can provide weekly income in the form of loans and new cars.
It's also worth keeping an eye on the exchange rate if you plan to buy credits with real money (although this is not recommended by the developers for balance purposes), but within the game economy it is better to focus on Super Wheelspin. This is an improved version of the wheel of fortune that gives more prizes and has an increased chance of dropping money or expensive cars.
⚠️ Attention: Selling a car purchased at a car dealership is only possible through an auction and, as a rule, at a price significantly lower than the purchase price. Do not buy cars “at one time” if you plan to resell them quickly - you will lose up to 50% of the value.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why can't I go to a car dealership?
You most likely have not yet reached Level 3 of your Horizon Life account. Continue completing starting missions, racing and exploring the world to level up. After this, the function will become available in the menu and on the map.
Can I buy a car that I have already sold?
Yes, if this model is in the basic catalog of the car dealership, you can always buy it again at full price. If it was a unique item from an auction, you will have to look for it there again.
How to find a specific model at a car dealership?
Use filters in the car dealership menu. You can sort by brand (BMW, Ferrari, Porsche), year of manufacture, vehicle class or drive type. This makes it much easier to search among the thousands of available models.
What to do if the car you need is not on sale?
The assortment of the seasonal store is updated every week. If the car is not in the main catalog, check the auction or wait for seasonal offers to be updated. Some cars are only available during certain seasons of the year in the game.
The Car Dealership in Forza Horizon 4 is not just a store, but a central hub for expanding your garage, accessible through the menu, map and auction after reaching level 3.