Join the Discord! →

Join hundreds of racers just like you. We love to help answer questions and race together.

How Much Are Cars in Iracing

New to iRacing? This beginner guide explains how much cars cost, what’s free, discounts, and smart buying steps so you save money and start racing with confidence.

Quick Answer

how much are cars in iracing? Most paid cars cost a one-time $11.95 USD each, with older “Legacy” cars at $2.95. Several cars are included free with your membership. You only need to buy the specific car you’ll drive, not your opponents’ cars. Multi-item discounts apply when you purchase 3+ items at once.

What This Guide Covers

  • What “how much are cars in iracing” means in plain English
  • What’s free vs. paid, and how pricing actually works
  • Smart, step-by-step buying strategy to avoid wasting money
  • Common beginner mistakes (and how to fix them)
  • A 10-minute practice drill to decide if you really need a new car
  • When to ask other iRacing drivers for quick feedback

What “How Much Are Cars in iRacing” Means in iRacing

In iRacing, “cars” are pieces of content (like DLC) that you buy once and own permanently. Some cars come free with your membership (e.g., Mazda MX‑5 Cup, Street Stock, Formula Vee). Others are paid additions you can buy from the iRacing Store.

Simple analogy: Think of iRacing like a gym membership plus optional classes. Your membership gets you in the door; specific cars and tracks are the classes you add when you’re ready.

Where you see it in the UI:

  • Store > Cars shows each car, the price, and if you already own it.
  • Series pages show which specific car is required.
  • When joining a session, iRacing will tell you if you’re missing the car or just missing the track.

Why This Matters for Rookies

For new iRacing drivers, knowing how much cars cost (and what you actually need) helps you:

  • Avoid buying cars you won’t race soon
  • Spend money where it really improves your experience
  • Stay focused on Rookie progression, Safety Rating, and clean racing
  • Plan purchases around the series you can enter now (and the tracks those series visit)

It’s easy to feel FOMO and grab every shiny GT3. You don’t need to. Start with a free car, add one paid car when you’re ready, and build slowly. That’s how iRacing works best for beginners.

How much are cars in iracing: price breakdown

  • Standard paid cars: $11.95 USD one-time
  • Legacy cars (older content): $2.95 USD one-time
  • Free with membership: A starter set (e.g., Mazda MX‑5 Cup, Formula Vee, Street Stock), enough to race Rookie series and practice a lot
  • Discounts:
    • 10% off when buying 3–5 items in a single order (cars and/or tracks)
    • 15% off when buying 6+ items in a single order
    • Additional ownership discounts may apply as your library grows
  • Updates: When iRacing updates a car you own, updates are included—no repurchase needed
  • Important: You need an active membership to use iRacing. Your purchased content stays on your account, but you can only use it with an active sub

Note: Pricing and discounts can change; always double-check in the Store before purchasing.

Common Problems Beginners Face With Car Purchases

Problem 1: Buying multiple cars in a class “just in case”

  • Why it happens: Seeing multi-class races or YouTube comparisons can create FOMO.
  • How to fix it: You only need the exact car you’ll drive. For a GT3 series, pick one GT3 and commit. You do not need opponents’ cars to join.

Problem 2: Buying a car before checking the series schedule

  • Why it happens: The car looks cool, but the series runs on tracks you don’t own yet.
  • How to fix it: Open the series schedule first. Count how many tracks you already own. Aim for at least 6–8 of the 12 weekly tracks to make the purchase worthwhile.

Problem 3: Missing easy discounts

  • Why it happens: Purchasing one item at a time adds up.
  • How to fix it: Batch purchases. If you know you’ll buy two tracks and a car soon, add them together to hit the 10% multi-item discount.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Buy Smart in iRacing

  1. Open iRacing and go to Go Racing > Series. Pick the series you can enter with your current license.
  2. Click the series and view the Schedule. Note the 12 tracks. Tick which ones you already own.
  3. Confirm the car requirement. Many series use one specific car. You only need that car.
  4. Decide if now is worth it. If you own at least half the season’s tracks, a new car purchase is more valuable.
  5. Add to cart wisely. If you plan to buy more than one item soon, add them together to trigger 10–15% bundle discounts.
  6. Buy the car. Go to Store > Cars, choose your car, and complete checkout.
  7. Download and test. Open Test Drive (or a private Practice session) with your new car on a free or owned track.
  8. Avoid a common mistake: Don’t jump straight into an official race with a brand-new car. Spend 15–30 minutes in practice to get comfortable and protect your Safety Rating.
  9. Optional extra tip: If the series offers Fixed Setup races, start there. It removes setup variables so you can focus on driving and racecraft.

Practical Example (Before vs. After)

Before (Typical Rookie)

  • Buys two GT3 cars “to try them”
  • Realizes the desired series runs mostly tracks they don’t own
  • Races once, can’t join half the season, feels stuck and overspent

After (Correct Approach)

  • Checks the schedule first, picks one GT3 car
  • Buys the car plus two tracks together, gets the multi-item discount
  • Practices 20 minutes before racing, joins more weeks, has cleaner, more enjoyable races

Simple Practice Drill (5–10 Minutes)

  • Load a Test Session with the free Mazda MX‑5 Cup at Okayama Short.
  • Run 10 laps focusing only on smooth throttle and brake release. Ignore lap time; watch for stability and clean exits.
  • Ask yourself: Did you enjoy the feel and pacing? If yes, plan your first paid car in the same driving style (e.g., GT4 or GR86) rather than jumping to a high-downforce or high-power car too soon.

Pro Tips for New iRacing Drivers

  • If the car feels nervous mid-corner, slow your steering inputs and trail off the brakes more gently before changing setup.
  • Start in Fixed Setup series to learn lines and racecraft; then explore setups later. iRacing setup tips matter less than clean driving early on.
  • Use AI or private practice to learn the car without risking Safety Rating.
  • Watch one fast onboard lap and focus on braking markers and exit throttle timing, not just the final time.
  • You don’t need to own every car in a class—own one, learn it deeply, and be consistent.

When to Ask for Help (Gentle Community Push)

If you’re still unsure what to buy, you’re not alone—most new iRacing drivers feel overwhelmed at first. Many new iRacing drivers hang out in beginner-friendly Discord communities where they can share replays and ask quick questions. A couple of pointers on car choice or where you’re losing time can save money and frustration.

FAQs About how much are cars in iracing in iRacing

  • Do I have to keep paying for the same car? No. Cars are a one-time purchase. Updates to that car are included. You’ll need an active membership to use any content.

  • Do I need to buy opponents’ cars in multi-class races? No. You only need the car you will drive and the track you’re racing on.

  • Are there sales or discounts on cars? Yes. iRacing offers multi-item discounts (10% for 3–5 items, 15% for 6+) and additional ownership discounts as your library grows. Check the Store for current details.

  • Which cars are free for beginners? iRacing includes a starter set (e.g., Mazda MX‑5 Cup, Street Stock, Formula Vee) so you can race Rookie series without extra purchases.

  • Can I test drive a car before buying? iRacing doesn’t generally offer free test drives for locked content. Use videos, series participation, and similar free cars to gauge fit before purchasing.

Final Takeaways

  • Most paid cars cost $11.95; some Legacy cars are $2.95; several cars are free with membership.
  • Buy one car you’ll actually race, not a whole class.
  • Check the series schedule first; bundle purchases for discounts.
  • Practice before official races to protect Safety Rating.

Action for your next session: Open the series you want, confirm the required car and schedule, and price-check your cart with a 3+ item bundle to see if a discount kicks in—then practice 15 minutes before you race.

Optional Next Steps

  • Next: How to choose your first iRacing series without wasting money
  • Or read: Rookie racecraft basics and clean driving etiquette