Borderlands 3 took vehicle customization to a whole new level, allowing players to not just drive vehicles, but truly personalize them. If you’re wondering how to get car parts in Borderlands 3, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will dive deep into the exciting world of vehicle customization, showing you how to hijack enemy rides, scavenge parts, and create your ultimate machine using the Catch-A-Ride system.
Understanding Vehicle Customization in Borderlands 3
Forget simply finding a vehicle and driving it as is. Borderlands 3 encourages you to be a true gearhead in the wasteland. Thanks to the advanced technology of Catch-A-Ride stations, you can now steal parts from enemy vehicles and incorporate them into your own. This system, a significant upgrade from previous Borderlands titles, lets you tailor your ride to your playstyle and aesthetic preferences.
The driving mechanics themselves have been significantly improved in Borderlands 3. Gearbox Software handed vehicle control development to their Quebec studio, which has experience with racing games. This results in smoother handling and more responsive controls, making vehicular combat and exploration more enjoyable than ever before. You’ll find Catch-A-Ride stations more frequently throughout the game world, making accessing and customizing your vehicles convenient. Fast travel to your vehicle is also available, eliminating long treks on foot.
But the real fun starts with customization. When you hijack an enemy vehicle and come across a new part you haven’t seen before, you have the opportunity to claim it for your own. By bringing your vehicle to a Catch-a-Ride station and parking on the designated spot, you initiate a scan. This process deconstructs the vehicle, adding any new components you’ve acquired to your personal collection. From then on, you can digi-struct these parts whenever you summon a vehicle at a Catch-A-Ride.
There are three base vehicle types available at Ellie’s Catch-a-Ride stations: the Outrunner, the Technical, and the Cyclone. Each of these vehicles offers a wide array of customization options, allowing you to mix and match components to create your perfect ride. The customization options include:
- Body Type: Select between the Outrunner, Technical, and Cyclone chassis.
- Driver Weapon: Choose the primary weapon for the driver to use.
- Turret Weapon: Equip a turret for passenger-controlled firepower (Technical and Outrunner).
- Mods: Add performance-enhancing modifications like boosters or special abilities.
- Wheels: Change wheels for improved handling, speed, or unique effects.
- Armor: Upgrade armor for increased durability.
- Material (Skin Theme): Apply a pre-designed skin or theme to your vehicle’s paint job.
- Color Pallet: Fine-tune the colors of your chosen theme.
Let’s explore the customization options for each vehicle type in detail and pinpoint how to get car parts for each of them.
Vehicle Types and Customization Options
Outrunner
The Outrunner is presented as the fastest land vehicle available in Borderlands 3, boasting impressive speed at the cost of armor. It’s ideal for players who prioritize speed and agility.
Developed by one of the big five corporations, it is the fastest land vehicle available and can “outrun” anything else. It cannot outrun other Outrunners, however, since they go the same speed.
Catch-A-Ride Station
Statistics
- Speed: 14
- Armor: 4
Driver Weapons
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Machine Gun: High fire rate machine gun.
- Default weapon, available from the start.
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Tesla Coil: Beam of shock damage that chains to nearby targets.
- Found on: Maliwan Outrunners
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Metroplex; Pandora, Ascension Bluff
To get the Tesla Coil, hijack Maliwan Outrunners in Meridian Metroplex on Promethea or Ascension Bluff on Pandora.
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Flame Thrower: Produces a flame best used to quickly eliminate vehicle occupants.
- Found on: Outrunners
- Location: Pandora, Ascension Bluff
Flame Throwers can be obtained by hijacking standard Outrunners in Ascension Bluff on Pandora.
Turret Weapons
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Heavy Missile: 50% more damage on a direct hit. Gunner can zoom for precision.
- Default weapon, available from the start.
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Shotgun Missile: Fires an array of missiles. Gunner can change firing pattern.
- Found on: COV Outrunners
- Location: Pandora, Devil’s Razor
Shotgun Missiles are dropped by COV Outrunners in Devil’s Razor on Pandora.
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Swarmer Missile: Fires a volley of missiles. Gunner can laser-guide the missiles.
- Found on: Outrunner, Maliwan Outrunners
- Location: Pandora, Ascension Bluff; Nekrotafeyo, Desolation’s Edge
To acquire Swarmer Missiles, target Outrunners and Maliwan Outrunners in Ascension Bluff on Pandora or Desolation’s Edge on Nekrotafeyo.
Wheels
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Dune Buggy Wheels: Balanced for speed and handling.
- Default wheels, available from the start.
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Zip Wheels: E-brake generates energy for a flaming boost.
- Found on: Hijack Target Zippy Outrunner
- Location: Pandora, Devil’s Razor
Zip Wheels are acquired by hijacking the Hijack Target “Zippy Outrunner” in Devil’s Razor on Pandora.
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Omni Wheels: Replaces e-brake with hovering mode.
- Found on: Maliwan Hover Outrunners
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Metroplex; Nekrotafeyo, Desolation’s Edge
Omni Wheels are obtained from Maliwan Hover Outrunners found in Meridian Metroplex on Promethea and Desolation’s Edge on Nekrotafeyo.
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Twitchy Wheels: Steerable back wheels for extra maneuverability.
- Found on: Twitchy Outrunner
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Metroplex/Outskirts; Pandora, Droughts/Ascension Bluff/Devil’s Razor
Hijack “Twitchy Outrunners” in Meridian Metroplex/Outskirts on Promethea or Droughts/Ascension Bluff/Devil’s Razor on Pandora to get Twitchy Wheels.
Armors
- Stripped Armor: Lighter but no durability benefit.
- Default armor, available from the start.
- Heavy Armor: Heavy plated armor improves durability at the cost of speed.
- Found on: Hijack Target Heavy Outrunner
- Location: Pandora, Ascension Bluff
Heavy Armor is obtained by hijacking the Hijack Target “Heavy Outrunner” in Ascension Bluff on Pandora.
Mods
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Booster Canisters: Optimized for speed and duration, well-balanced boost.
- Default mods, available from the start.
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Energy Cells: Three charges of energy for a small boost and shock damage pulse.
- Found on: Pulsing Outrunner
- Location: Nekrotafeyo, Desolation’s Edge
Energy Cells are dropped by Pulsing Outrunners in Desolation’s Edge on Nekrotafeyo.
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Blaze Booster: Fast-burning booster, best used in short bursts.
- Found on: COV Outrunners
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Metroplex; Pandora, Ascension Bluff
Blaze Boosters are found on COV Outrunners in Meridian Metroplex on Promethea and Ascension Bluff on Pandora.
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Laser Wings: Boost energy creates laser blades around the vehicle.
- Found on: Hijack Target Razor Outrunner
- Location: Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin
Laser Wings are acquired from the Hijack Target “Razor Outrunner” in Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6.
Technical
The Technical is the vehicle of choice for the Children of the Vault (COV), known for its surprising sturdiness and offensive capabilities. It strikes a balance between speed and armor.
There’s nothing technical about the way that the CoV built this. But it’s surprisingly sturdy, packs quite a punch and is a blast to drive!
Catch-A-Ride Station
Statistics
- Speed: 12
- Armor: 7
Driver Weapons
- Machine Gun: A classic, reliable weapon.
- Default weapon, available from the start.
- Flak Cannon: Powerful shotgun firing scrap projectiles, deadly at close range.
- Found on: COV Technical
- Location: Promethea, Neon Arterial; Pandora, Splinterlands
Obtain Flak Cannons from COV Technicals in Neon Arterial on Promethea and Splinterlands on Pandora.
Turret Weapons
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Barrel Launcher: Launches explosive barrels that can be detonated mid-air for cluster bombs.
- Default weapon, available from the start.
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Sticky Bombs: Bombs that stick to any surface and detonate after a set time or by gunner trigger.
- Found on: Hijack Target
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Outskirt
Sticky Bombs are dropped by a Hijack Target Technical in Meridian Outskirts on Promethea.
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Tire Bombs: Launches a steerable tire bomb.
- Found on: Hijack Target Spare Tire Technical
- Location: Pandora, Splinterlands
Tire Bombs are acquired from the Hijack Target “Spare Tire Technical” in Splinterlands on Pandora.
Wheels
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All-Terrain Wheels: Technical’s fastest wheels.
- Default wheels, available from the start.
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Monster Wheels: Big wheels improve handling and durability.
- Found on: Angels and Speed Demons quest
- Location: Pandora
Monster Wheels are a reward from the “Angels and Speed Demons” quest on Pandora.
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Barbed Wheels: Ignore terrain and deal +50% ramming damage against flesh.
- Found on: Hijack Target Spiked Technical
- Location: Pandora, Devil’s Razor
Barbed Wheels are obtained by hijacking the “Spiked Technical” Hijack Target in Devil’s Razor on Pandora.
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Hover Wheels: Replace e-brake with hovering mode.
- Found on: Hover Technical
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Outskirt
Hover Wheels are found on Hover Technicals in Meridian Outskirts on Promethea.
Armors
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Stripped Armor: Lighter but no durability benefit.
- Default armor, available from the start.
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Heavy Armor: Heavy plated armor improves durability at the expense of speed.
- Found on: COV Technical
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Outskirts; Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin
- Guaranteed one spawns during Beneath the Meridian
Heavy Armor can be found on COV Technicals in Meridian Outskirts on Promethea and Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6. One is guaranteed to spawn during the “Beneath the Meridian” mission.
- Guaranteed one spawns during Beneath the Meridian
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Meat Grinder: +100% ramming damage, +200% against flesh.
- Found on: Meat Grinder Technical
- Location: Pandora, Carnivora
Meat Grinder armor is dropped by Meat Grinder Technicals in Carnivora on Pandora.
Mods
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Passenger Seats: Includes boost module and passenger seats.
- Default Mod that’s available from the start.
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Fuel Barrels: Unlimited boost, sacrificing power for duration.
- Found on: COV Technical
- Location: Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin
Fuel Barrels can be found on COV Technicals in Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6.
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Toxic Booster: Provides a corrosive cloud damaging enemies.
- Found on: COV Technical
- Location: Promethea, Neon Arterial; Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin
Toxic Boosters are obtained from COV Technicals in Neon Arterial on Promethea and Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6.
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Jet Booster: Powerful jet engine boost with a charge-up time.
- Found on: Carnivora Technicals
- Location: Pandora, Carnivora
- Found during the chase for Carnivora and only during the chase
Jet Boosters are exclusively found on Carnivora Technicals during the Carnivora chase sequence on Pandora.
- Found during the chase for Carnivora and only during the chase
The
Image showing the Borderlands 3 Technical vehicle, a sturdy and customizable option for players who prefer a balance of offense and defense.
Cyclone
The Cyclone is the fastest and most maneuverable vehicle, trading armor for agility. It’s perfect for players who favor hit-and-run tactics and quick escapes.
The Cyclone makes up for its lack of defenses by allowing its driver to outmaneuver other vehicles. It’s armed with an array of fast weapons that can be aimed at 360 degrees.
Catch-A-Ride Station
Statistics
- Speed: 17
- Armor: 2
Driver Weapons
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Machine Gun: Reliable and accurate.
- Default mod, available from the start.
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Explosive Needle Launcher: Fires explosive needles that detonate after a delay.
- Found on: Maliwan Cyclones
- Location: Nekrotafeyo, Desolation’s Edge; Promethea, Meridian Metroplex (True Vault Hunter Mode)
Explosive Needle Launchers are found on Maliwan Cyclones in Desolation’s Edge on Nekrotafeyo and Meridian Metroplex on Promethea (more common in True Vault Hunter Mode).
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Sawblade Launcher: Launches powerful explosive sawblades.
- Found on: COV Cyclones
- Location: Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin; Pandora, Devil’s Razor
Sawblade Launchers are obtained from COV Cyclones in Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6 and Devil’s Razor on Pandora.
Wheels
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Monowheel: Cyclone’s fastest wheel.
- Default wheel, available from the start.
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Blade wheel: More traction and significant ramming damage boost against flesh.
- Found on: Blade Cyclone
- Location: Promethea, Neon Arterial; Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin; Pandora, Devil’s Razor
Blade Wheels are dropped by Blade Cyclones in Neon Arterial on Promethea, Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6, and Devil’s Razor on Pandora.
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Wide Wheel: Improved handling and durability.
- Found on: Hijack Target Fat Cyclone
- Location: Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin
Wide Wheels are acquired from the Hijack Target “Fat Cyclone” in Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6.
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Hover Wheel: Enable Hover mode with the e-brake.
- Found on: Maliwan Hover Cyclone
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Metroplex
Hover Wheels are found on Maliwan Hover Cyclones in Meridian Metroplex on Promethea.
Armors
- Stripped Armor: Lighter but no durability benefit.
- Default armor, available from the start.
- Heavy Armor: Heavy plated armor improves durability at the expense of speed.
- Found on: Heavy cyclone
- Location: Promethea, Meridian Metroplex; Eden-6, Floodmoor Basin
Heavy Armor is dropped by Heavy Cyclones in Meridian Metroplex on Promethea and Floodmoor Basin on Eden-6.
Mods
- Heavy Booster: Extremely powerful boost for maximum speed.
- Default Mod that’s available from the start.
Skin Customizations
Beyond parts, you can also customize the visual appearance of your vehicles with various Skin Themes and color palettes. Skin Themes are cosmetic items that drop as loot throughout the game, similar to weapons and gear.
Themes
These themes offer a variety of unique paint jobs, allowing you to further personalize your ride.
| Skin Name | Skin Description |
|---|---|
| Default | Classic Look |
| Atlas | You are now sponsored by the Atlas Corporation! |
| Magic Number | “Illusion, Michael” |
| Blue Angels | Who’s the star? You’re the star! |
| Bubblegum | Let’s face it, this paint job would exist even if we didn’t put it here. Chew on this! |
| Children of the Vault | The Calypsos probably wouldn’t like us rocking their color, but who cares? |
| Dahl | You are now sponsored by the Dahl Corporation! |
| Ellie | Ain’t that a beauty? Feel free to change it even though it would break my heart. |
| Follow-Me | Fancy a game of checkers? |
| Forest Camo | Forest Camo? Anyone happen to remember we’re invading a desert planet? |
| Golden Ticket | Big Donny gave his life so you could have this … well you took it from him. |
| Gearbox | Now where have I seen this before …? |
| Halftone | Want this one? Sign here on the dotted line. |
| Hyperion | You are now sponsored by the Hyperion Corporation! |
| Jakobs | You are now sponsored by the Jakobs Corporation! |
| I like dinosaurs | Life huh … finds a way. |
| Leather | A tough leather finish. |
| Maliwan | You are now sponsored by the Maliwan Corporation … wait what? |
| Plaid | So warm and fuzzy |
| Roadkill | Look at this beauty, just like new! Wait, is that blood? |
| Skag | We love Skags. Don’t you? |
| Stealth | For stealthy night operations. Not sure how it works with all these explosives. |
| Thunderbird | Instead of soaring through the sky, you will ram through skags. |
| Torgue | You are now sponsored by the Torgue Corporation! |
| Vaughn’s | Vaughn is serious with this Sunsmasher business. |
| Vladof | You are now sponsored by the Vladof Corporation! |
| Woodland Camo | Ideal for chasing those pesky CoVs on Pandora. |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get and Scan Vehicle Parts in Borderlands 3
To solidify your understanding of how to get car parts in Borderlands 3, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Hijack Enemy Vehicles: When you encounter enemy vehicles, take them over! Approach an enemy vehicle and follow the on-screen prompt to hijack it.
- Look for New Parts: While driving hijacked vehicles, especially different enemy factions’ vehicles, keep an eye out for new and unique parts you haven’t seen before on your own rides.
- Locate a Catch-a-Ride Station: Find the nearest Catch-a-Ride station. These are marked on your map and are prevalent throughout the game world.
- Park and Scan: Drive your hijacked vehicle onto the highlighted digi-struct spot within the Catch-a-Ride station. Exit the vehicle.
- Parts Acquired: The station will automatically deconstruct the vehicle, and any new parts you were driving with will be added to your customization options for all your vehicles.
- Customize Your Ride: Access the Catch-a-Ride station menu to summon a vehicle. Now, you can navigate through the customization options and equip the newly acquired parts to build your ultimate Borderlands 3 vehicle.
Conclusion
Vehicle customization in Borderlands 3 offers a deep and engaging layer to the gameplay. Knowing how to get car parts by hijacking vehicles and utilizing Catch-a-Ride stations is key to unlocking the full potential of this system. Experiment with different parts, find your favorite combinations, and create a personalized ride that reflects your Vault Hunter’s style as you tear through the Borderlands. Happy hunting, and happy customizing!
