The Used Cars Simulator from wreck to gem quest (titled "From Wreck to Gem" in early game files and referred to as "From Wreck to Pearl" in later developer patch notes) is a core Season 1 mission in Used Cars Simulator by DreamWay Games. This job introduces you to heavy recovery operations using your tow truck, body shop rust treatments, engine installation, and drop-offs at the scrapyard.

Completing this job awards $4,000 and 100 XP, providing essential starting capital to grow your workshop and dealership business.

Quest Overview and Rewards

Before heading out to retrieve the wreck, ensure your tow truck is accessible and ready to drive.

Quest DetailValue / Requirement
Quest NameFrom Wreck to Gem (also known as From Wreck to Pearl)
Campaign StageSeason 1 Story Quest
Cash Reward$4,000
Experience Reward100 XP
Required Target ConditionRestore vehicle to at least 90% condition
Drop-Off LocationScrapyard (Daniel)

Complete Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Follow the exact sequence below to complete the quest without breaking progression flags.

1. Hooking and Loading the Wreck

  1. Climb into your tow truck and drive to the marked location of the wrecked car.
  2. Park directly in front of or behind the wreck, exit the vehicle, and extend the truck ramp.
  3. Grab the tow winch hook and attach it to the designated anchor point on the wrecked car.
  4. Pick up the tow winch remote.
  5. Use the remote to pull the vehicle up the ramp until it is fully loaded onto the bed.
  6. Detach the winch hook and retract the ramp before driving.

2. Transport and Unloading at the Body Shop

  1. Drive the tow truck to the marked Body Shop location.
  2. Park the truck inside the highlighted unloading zone.
  3. Extend the ramp.
  4. Attach the tow winch hook to the car at the body shop.
  5. Pick up the tow winch remote and use it to push or lower the wreck into the shop's designated repair bay.
  6. Detach the hook and stow the ramp.

3. Restoring the Vehicle to 90%

  1. Access the services at the body shop bay.
  2. Strip and clean away the exterior rust using the body shop tools.
  3. Install the specified engine into the vehicle chassis.
  4. Perform any remaining panel or component fixes until the overall car condition reaches at least 90%.

4. Delivering to the Scrapyard

  1. Reload or drive the renovated car to the Scrapyard.
  2. Deliver the completed car to the destination marker (managed by Daniel at the Scrapyard) to claim your $4,000 cash and 100 XP payout.

How to Fix Common Engine and Delivery Bugs

Community threads on the Steam forums and official patch notes highlight two specific issues players encounter during this mission:

"You Can't Steal This Car" Grinder Error

If you install an engine or alternate engine part before the quest objective prompt updates to "Install the engine in the wrecked car," using an angle grinder on the vehicle will trigger a system block saying: "You can't steal this car."

According to DreamWay Games developers, you should not attempt to cut or grind the part off by hand outside the shop. Instead, drive or move the vehicle onto the mechanic's car lift inside the body shop or repair garage and swap the engine through the shop interface.

Daniel Not Accepting the Renovated Car

In earlier builds of the game, Daniel occasionally failed to trigger dialogue or accept the completed vehicle upon arrival at the Scrapyard. Developer patch Update 18.2 resolved this issue alongside order-of-operation quest softlocks. If your game client is up to date, parking inside the drop zone will trigger the transaction normally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I rename the quest car or paint it?

Cosmetic alterations like paint colors or brand names will not fail the mission as long as rust removal is completed, the engine is installed, and the car's overall condition hits the mandatory 90% threshold.

Where do I deliver the car at the end of the quest?

The renovated vehicle must be delivered directly to the Scrapyard, where Daniel handles the handoff.

Did the quest name change from Gem to Pearl?

Yes. Game files originally labeled the mission "From Wreck to Gem," while Steam community discussion and official patch notes (such as Update 18.2) refer to the same questline as "From Wreck to Pearl." Both names refer to the identical Season 1 towing and restoration assignment.