9 Tips to Build a Dream Garage in Forza Horizon 5 Without Spending Real Money

The first time I opened my garage in Forza Horizon 5, it was a sad sight—three starter cars and a dream. Fast forward six months and that same garage now holds every Ferrari, three rare Porsches, and the mythical Hoonigan RS200, all without spending a dime of real money. The journey in fun driving/racing land taught me that building an elite collection isn't about luck or deep pockets; it's about strategy, patience, and knowing where to look. If you're playing Forza Horizon 5—whether you just bought the game or have been grinding for months—these nine lessons will transform how you collect cars.

1. The Auction House Is Your Greatest Ally and Worst Enemy

I learned this the hard way when I blew 2.5 million credits on a Lamborghini Aventador, only to see it selling for half that price the next day. The Auction House in Forza Horizon 5 is a volatile beast, but mastering it means never overpaying for a car again. The trick is understanding (at least in this AI world) market patterns. When a car is a seasonal reward, prices plummet as dozens of players dump their duplicates. I once waited a week after the Jaguar XJR-15 was a prize, then scooped one up for 1.8 million credits—down from its usual 20 million. The same applies to Forza Edition cars; they always dip in value after the initial hype. The best deals come to those who stalk the "ending soon" filter, bidding in the final seconds like a high-stakes poker player.

2. Some Cars Are Worth the Grind, Others Are Traps

Not all rare cars are created equal. Early on, I wasted hours chasing the Ferrari 250 GTO, only to realize it handled like a boat. Meanwhile, the Hoonigan RS200—a car I earned for free in a seasonal championship—became my most-used vehicle, dominating everything from dirt races to speed zones. If you're going to grind, grind smart. The Koenigsegg Jesko, obtainable for free by completing "The Gift" Horizon Story, is a 300+ MPH monster that outruns cars ten times its price. The Lamborghini Sesto FE, available in the Forzathon Shop, is arguably the best all-around car in the game, with unreal grip and acceleration. Focus on cars that open up new ways to play, not just those with big price tags.

3. Wheelspins Are a Gold Mine If You Know How to Rig Them

For months, I treated Wheelspins like lottery tickets—pure chance. Then I discovered car mastery perks. Certain cheap cars, like the 1977 Pontiac Firebird, have skill trees that reward Wheelspins for minimal investment. Spend 14 skill points, and suddenly, your 25,000-credit Firebird is spitting out free spins. I've pulled everything from a Bugatti Chiron to 500,000-credit payouts this way. The key is targeting cars with high reward-to-cost ratios to pay less and gain more. The 2013 Cadillac XTS Limo offers both a Wheelspin and a Super Wheelspin for a handful of skill points. The 1982 VW Golf GTI is another budget-friendly spin factory. Once you crack this system, credits stop being a problem.

4. The Festival Playlist Is a Free Car Dispenser

I used to ignore seasonal events until I missed out on the Toyota Trueno AE86, a car I'd wanted since childhood. Now, I treat the Festival Playlist like a part-time job. Completing just 50% of the weekly challenges often rewards multi-million-credit cars that can't be bought in the Autoshow. The Ford GT OPI Edition, the Ferrari 599XX Evoluzione, and the Lexus LFA have all rotated through as prizes. Even if you don't love the current reward, grab it anyway—these exclusives can be auctioned later for massive profits or traded for other rare cars.

5. Flipping Cars Is the Fastest Way to Get Rich

My first big score came from a Porsche 911 GT3 RS I bought for 150,000 credits and sold for 550,000. That's when I realized something that you now know from the beginning: the Auction House isn't just for buying—it's for trading. The best flips come from spotting underpriced cars (often listed by players who don't check values) and reselling them at market rate. Rare paints and liveries can also inflate value; I once sold a Lotus Elise with a custom design for 1.2 million. The key is patience. Prices fluctuate daily, and the biggest profits go to those who buy low and wait for demand to rise.

6. Skill Points Are Secretly a Currency

I used to spend skill points on useless horn upgrades until I discovered the BMW M6 Forza Edition's perk tree—19 skill points for a 300,000-credit payout. Suddenly, skill farming became a credit-printing machine. The best grinders in Forza Horizon 5 combine high-skill multipliers with easy destruction or drift points. The 2017 Ford F-150 Raptor racks up points fast in the dunes, while the Hoonigan Ford Escort RS1800 can chain 500,000-point skill combos with minimal effort. Treat skill points like an investment, not a bonus.

7. Some Cars Are Credit Sinks—Avoid Them

Not every expensive car is worth it. The Bugatti Veyron costs 2.5 million but handles like a runaway train. The Ferrari F40 Competizione is incredible, but the standard F40 is half the price and nearly as good. Before buying, ask: Does this car open up new gameplay, or is it just a status symbol? Hypercars are often the worst offenders—overpriced and harder to drive than cheaper alternatives.

8. Free Cars Are Everywhere If You Know Where to Look

Barn Finds seem random, but some are hidden gems in Forza Horizon 5. The Ford Mustang GT Barn Find becomes a 700HP monster when restored. Gifts from other players can also be jackpots—I once received a Lexus LFA from a random drop. Even the Horizon Stories reward cars like the Ferrari F40, which would cost millions in the Autoshow. Never underestimate freebies.

9. The Best Garages Are Built Slowly

My biggest mistake was rushing. I wasted credits on impulse buys, missed seasonal rewards, and sold cars I later regretted. The best collections are built over time with patience and strategy. The McLaren F1 GT was once 15 million credits; now it's 5 million. The market always shifts, and the best deals go to those who wait.

Conclusion

If you're playing Forza Horizon 5—whether you just bought the game or are a seasoned veteran—remember: the dream garage isn't built in a day. It's a marathon, not a sprint. You buy your cars as you buy cheap PS4 games, one at a time. And when you finally park that Jesko next to your RS200, it'll feel earned.