The Buffalo is a car appearing in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, The Ballad of Gay Tony, Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online and due to appear in Grand Theft Auto VI. It is manufactured by Bravado in the HD Universe.
Design[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
The Buffalo in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas appears to be mainly based on the third-generation Chevrolet Camaro, but there are influences from other vehicles. The headlights are similar to an Opel Manta B2 and the third generation Honda Integra, while the shape of the tail lights looks closer to some third-generation Pontiac Firebird models. A C-pillar has also been added, bearing a resemblance to a Dodge Daytona.
The Buffalo is characterized by the small front intake, the four circular headlights and the ram air hood, along with a lip spoiler, rectangular tail lights and a bulky rear bumper. It spawns in a variety of single colors.
The Ballad of Gay Tony[]
The Buffalo in The Ballad of Gay Tony is strongly based on the 2006-2010 sixth generation Dodge Charger, as well as the 2007–2009 Ford Shelby GT500 for the front fascia, whilst the tail lights appear to be based on the first generation Chrysler 300C, albeit with slightly different proportions to compensate for the Buffalo's different body style. The custom body kit suggests it is based on the Charger's SRT-8 model.
The vehicle is essentially a consumer/civilian version of the FIB Buffalo, which was already introduced in both Grand Theft Auto IV and The Lost and Damned (despite there are numerous billboards advertising a civilian version of the car). It features a custom body kit that includes larger exhaust tips and ground effects. The car spawns in a variety of single colors and shares the same 5-spoke rim design with the Rebla.
The Buffalo is equipped with a GPS system with a female voice, but only if the player leaves the "selected cars" (default) option in the audio menu.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
The Buffalo returns in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, having the same design as the TBoGT model. Its interior uses the same interior from cars like the Stanier and the Taxi. It also retains the single body color and the 5-spoke rims.
Current Design Gallery[]
Version History Gallery[]
Performance[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
The car is laid out in an FR layout, and sports a high-performance V8 engine that delivers great acceleration and speed, but comes at the cost of high rear end power, which may lead to loss of traction. Despite being a sports car, the Buffalo handles very well off road, making it a spectacular cross-country vehicle.
The Buffalo shares its engine sound with the Alpha and the Infernus.
GTA San Andreas Overview[]
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 124 / 200 | 5 | Petrol | RWD | 1500 / 3307 |
| N/A | N/A | 5 | FR V8 (In-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed |
The Ballad of Gay Tony[]
The Buffalo's performance is very good for a four-door sedan, courtesy of its supercharged twin-cam inline-4 engine, which is superior to its law enforcement variants. As expected, the car is capable of good acceleration and a decent top speed, with its powerful engine coupled up to a 5-speed gearbox in a FR layout, because it is being lighter than the FIB Buffalo. While the car is still prone to fishtailing, the car's grip on the road is equally excellent. Durability is great, making it take crashes and gunfire very decently. However, the wheels are not very durable, as these would be easily deformed on high-speed impacts. Because of the low ground clearance, the Buffalo might fail at sorting out obstacles on the way, though it may handle most bumps and curbs without any trouble.
Like the Infernus, Banshee, F620, Sultan RS and Bullet, the Buffalo backfires from its exhaust when shifting gears. Rather than the loud engine sound from the FIB Buffalo, the Buffalo shares the same high-revving, high-pitched engine sound as the Police Stinger.
TBOGT Overview[]
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engines | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 96 / 155 | 5 | N/A | RWD | 1700 / 3748 |
| N/A | N/A | N/A | Supercharged (Badging) | N/A | N/A |
| N/A | N/A | 5 | FR DOHC Inline-4 (In-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed |
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
The Buffalo retains its mostly-good performance, having an acceptable top-speed, and average acceleration. Thanks to its sturdy front structure, the Buffalo can cope with several head-on crashes before the wheels make an average negative-camber. The braking distance is among the best in the class, and still performs just as good in wet weather, thanks to its thick tires, and its firm brake disks. The engine powering the car is a supercharged twin-cam straight-4, being situated at the front, and having a RWD drivetrain, an average layout for sports-sedans. Its engine sound is low-revving and rather smooth, also used on the Jackal and the modern Police Cruiser.
The Buffalo's engine and RWD drivetrain works hard to propel it off the line, making for an impressive top speed and 0-60 time. The engine gives the car more get up and go, which makes the Buffalo a faster vehicle than one would assume. Its handling feels more sport-like, and combined with a firm suspension and good traction, the Buffalo can easily be thrown around curves and sharp turns at high speeds, and also makes the Buffalo a rather fun and exciting vehicle to drive. The Buffalo has good traction on and off road, and allows it to climb steep grades and enables it to go significantly off road, despite its RWD drivetrain and lower ride height. Braking feels strong and is excellent for a vehicle its size, enabling the Buffalo to come to a complete stop in a shorter amount of time compared to other vehicles in its class. Crash deformation is also impressive, allowing the Buffalo to take multiple direct hits before the engine erupts in flames. Overall, the Buffalo is well rounded and balanced, making it an excellent choice for a getaway vehicle, especially during hot pursuit.
GTA V and Online Overview[]
| Acceleration (0-60 mph in Seconds) |
Top Speed (mph / kmh) |
Gears | Engine | Drivetrain (FWD / RWD / AWD) |
Mass (kg / lbs) |
Fuel Tank Size (litres) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 90 / 145 | 5 | N/A | RWD | 1650 / 3638 | 65 |
| N/A | N/A | 5 | Supercharged (Badging) | RWD | 1650 / 3638 | N/A |
| 6.9 Seconds | 115 / 185 | 5 | DOHC Inline-4 (In-game model) | RWD | Cannot be observed | Cannot be observed |
Rockstar Games Social Club[]
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
Modifications[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- The Buffalo can only be modified at TransFender.
| Type | Upgrade | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Car Color 1 | $ 150 |
| Nitro | 2x Nitrous | $ 200 |
| 10x Nitrous | $ 1000 | |
| Wheels | Import | $ 820 |
| Atomic | $ 770 | |
| Ahab | $ 1000 | |
| Virtual | $ 620 | |
| Access | $ 1140 | |
| Off Road Wheel | $ 1000 | |
| Mega | $ 1030 | |
| Grove | $ 1230 | |
| Twist | $ 1200 | |
| Wires | $ 1560 | |
| Hydraulics | Hydraulics | $ 1500 |
- Note: The TransFender in Las Venturas charges 20% more except for colors.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
| Category | Modification | Cost (GTA V) | Cost (GTA Online) | Image | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armor | No Armor | $100 | $200 | ||
| Armor Upgrade 20% | $500 | $4,500 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 40% | $1,250 | $7,500 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 60% | $2,000 | $12,000 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 80% | $3,500 | $21,000 | |||
| Armor Upgrade 100% | $5,000 | $30,000 | |||
| Brakes | Stock Brakes | $100 | $200 | ||
| Street Brakes | $2,000 | $4,000 | |||
| Sport Brakes | $2,700 | $5,400 | |||
| Race Brakes | $3,500 | $7,000 | |||
| Bumpers | Stock Front Bumper | $250 | $500 | ||
| Custom Front Splitter | $500 | $1,000 | |||
| Stock Rear Bumper | $250 | $500 | |||
| Custom Rear Bumper | $500 | $1,000 | |||
| Engine | EMS Upgrade, Level 1 | $900 | $1,800 | ||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 2 | $1,250 | $2,500 | |||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 3 | $1,800 | $3,600 | |||
| EMS Upgrade, Level 4 | $3,350 | $6,700 | |||
| Exhausts | Stock Exhaust | $130 | $260 | ||
| Titanium Tuner Exhaust | $375 | $750 | |||
| Explosives | Ignition Bomb | N/A | $5,000 | ||
| Remote Bomb | N/A | $7,500 | |||
| Horns | Main article: Los Santos Customs/Horns | - | - | ||
| Lights | Headlights | Stock Lights | $100 | $200 | |
| Xenon Lights | $300 | $3,000 | |||
| Neon Kits | Main article: Los Santos Customs/Lights | - | - | ||
| Loss/Theft Prevention | Tracker | N/A | $2,000 | ||
| Full Coverage | N/A | $4,375 | |||
| Plates | Blue on White 1 | $50 | $200 | ||
| Blue on White 2 | $50 | $200 | |||
| Blue on White 3 | $50 | $200 | |||
| Yellow on Blue | $75 | $300 | |||
| Yellow on Black | $150 | $600 | |||
| Respray | Main article: Vehicle Customization in GTA V/Respray Colors | - | - | ||
| Sell | Sell Vehicle | N/A | $3,500 | ||
| Skirts | Stock Skirts | $300 | $600 | ||
| Custom Skirts | $415 | $830 | |||
| Spoilers | None | $150 | $300 | ||
| Low Level Spoiler | $275 | $550 | |||
| Suspension | Stock Suspension | $100 | $200 | ||
| Lowered Suspension | $500 | $1,000 | |||
| Street Suspension | $1,000 | $2,000 | |||
| Sport Suspension | $1,700 | $3,400 | |||
| Competition Suspension | $2,200 | $4,400 | |||
| Transmission | Stock Transmission | $100 | $200 | ||
| Street Transmission | $2,950 | $5,900 | |||
| Sports Transmission | $3,250 | $6,500 | |||
| Race Transmission | $4,000 | $8,000 | |||
| Turbo | None | $500 | $1,000 | ||
| Turbo Tuning | $2,500 | $30,000 | |||
| Wheels | Main article: Los Santos Customs/Wheels | - | - | ||
| Windows | None | $100 | $500 | ||
| Light Smoke | $200 | $1,500 | |||
| Dark Smoke | $450 | $3,500 | |||
| Limo | $700 | $5,000 | |||
Variants[]
| Image | Vehicle | Description | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
 The Buffalo Police Cruiser in Grand Theft Auto V. |
Police Cruiser (Buffalo) | Police variant of the Buffalo appearing in The Ballad of Gay Tony and Grand Theft Auto V. | |
 The FIB Buffalo in Grand Theft Auto V. |
FIB (Buffalo) | FIB variant of the Buffalo appearing in Grand Theft Auto IV, Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online. Previously known as the FIB Buffalo. | |
 The Buffalo S in Grand Theft Auto V. |
Buffalo S | Sports variant of the Buffalo appearing in Grand Theft Auto V and Grand Theft Auto Online, notable for being Franklin Clinton's personal vehicle. Also previously known as simply Buffalo. | |
| Special variants | |||
| White Buffalo | Eddie Pulaski owns a white Buffalo in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. The colour is not unique but it has a unique licence plate which reads, PULASKI. It is fully immune to damage before Pulaski enters it. | ||
| Red Buffalo | Mori Kibbutz owns a unique red Buffalo in The Ballad of Gay Tony It can be found in Kibbutz Number One. To obtain it, the player can take it to the parking space in Niko's South Bohan Safehouse and kill Mori, this will cause to fail the mission but the car can be saved. Another method without failing the mission is to reach the destination in the map, let Mori get off and then the player can take the vehicle to the South Bohan safehouse and proceed with the mission.
It is also found in the mission This Ain't Checkers, Mori's red Buffalo, along with the other 3 cars available, is equipped with Nitro to help the player win the Triathlon set up by Mori. |
||
| Blue Buffalo | At the start of the mission Bang Bang in The Ballad of Gay Tony, the player has the choice between Tony's black Schafter or a unique blue Buffalo. This Buffalo is presumably Evan Moss's car as he is the only person in the apartment other than Tony and this is the only time the Buffalo is seen. | ||
Gallery[]
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
Grand Theft Auto V[]
Grand Theft Auto VI[]
Prominent Appearances in Gameplay[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- Misappropriation – Five are used for this mission. When the DEA arrives at Emerald Isle, he will run away in one and Carl must chase him in another. If Carl doesn't kill him during the pursuit, the DEA will drive to an underground parking lot in Roca Escalante with more three Buffaloes and full of FBI agents. The car driven by DEA is everything-proof before he reaches it. It is possible to keep this damage-proof vehicle by using the trick demonstrated here.
- High Noon – Carl has to chase and kill Pulaski that leaves Las Brujas driving his white Buffalo.
- Race Tournaments – Carl competes in Freeway and San Fierro Hills races, both having competitors that drive this car.
- Exports and Imports – The Buffalo is one of the 30 vehicles wanted for the side-mission. Placed on the first list.
The Ballad of Gay Tony[]
- The Buffalo is a prominent vehicle for most Mori Kibbutz missions.
- Bang Bang – In order to proceed with the mission, Luis can use either Tony's Schafter or Evan's Buffalo, both parked in front of Tony's Apartment.
Notable Owners[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- Catalina has a Buffalo at her hideout.
- Eddie Pulaski owns a white Buffalo as seen only in the mission High Noon.
The Ballad of Gay Tony[]
- Evan Moss owns a blue Buffalo.
- Mori Kibbutz owns a red/pink Buffalo.
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- Dom Beasley owns an orange Buffalo as seen in the mission Targeted Risk.
Locations[]
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- Catalina owns a Buffalo, located beside her hideout in Fern Ridge, Red County, even after she has left for Liberty City with Claude.
- Parked at the Xoomer Gas Station in Easter Basin, San Fierro, when wanted for export. May occasionally come equipped with an alarm.
- Available to import for $28,000 at the Import/Export dock in Easter Basin, San Fierro after delivering the car. The day it can be imported depends on the order you have exported the list (see the import lists).
- Occasionally spawns in a pink painted parking lot in Queens, San Fierro (sometimes locked).
- Spawns around Verona Beach, Market, Vinewood, Richman, Temple and Santa Maria Beach, Los Santos.
- Can also spawn around the Los Santos International Airport.
- Spawns around King's, Queens, Avispa Country Club, Palisades, Juniper Hollow and Paradiso, San Fierro.
- Spawns around The Strip, Old Venturas Strip and Prickle Pine, Las Venturas.
The Ballad of Gay Tony[]
- Very uncommon unless the player drives one.
- If the player is hijacking a boat or helicopter during a Drug War, they will be required to bring it to the docks in Northwood. The Buffalo will be right in front of the player after the ending cut-scene, and it can be taken freely.
- Commonly spawns in north Algonquin in multiplayer.
- Henrique will deliver one to the player if called.
- Uniquely colored examples can be found during Drug Wars as a target vehicle for convoy missions.
Grand Theft Auto V[]
- The Buffalo can be found mostly across Los Santos.
- It can also be found on the highways around Los Santos and Blaine County.
Grand Theft Auto Online[]
- Available for purchase from Southern San Andreas Super Autos for $35,000.
- No longer available in the enhanced versions of the game; removed from the website as part of the San Andreas Mercenaries update.
Radio Stations[]
- In Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, the Buffalo plays Radio X.
- In The Ballad of Gay Tony, the default radio stations are grouped by genre. The Buffalo uses the "Latin" group which can play San Juan Sounds.
- In Grand Theft Auto IV: The Complete Edition, the default radio stations are grouped by genre. The Buffalo uses the "Latin" group which can play San Juan Sounds.
- In Grand Theft Auto V and Online, the default radio stations are grouped by genre. The Buffalo uses the "Rap" group which can play:
- West Coast Classics
- Radio Los Santos
- The Lab
- Blonded Los Santos 97.8 FM (Enhanced Editions only. May not play due to a three station limit within the group)
- IFruit Radio (Enhanced Editions only. May not play due to a three station limit within the group)
Trivia[]
General[]
- The way that the Buffalo in the 3D Universe is a two-door and the variant in the HD Universe is a four-door is similar to how the Dodge Charger, the basis of the HD Universe variant, went from its early production as a 2-door to a 4-door from 2006 until its present day counterpart.
- The original San Andreas car's name may be a reference to the Ford Taurus. Both names are a reference to forms of cattle (in the Buffalo's case, a type of bison). However, this is where the similarities of the two cars ends, as the Taurus was a mid-size sedan, whilst the Buffalo is based on a Camaro, which is a muscle/sports car.
- Another possible name association is that the primary method of defense of a buffalo (bison) is to charge at a threat with its horns. As the later versions of the vehicle were modeled after the Dodge Charger, this may be the reason the name was used in the HD games.
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas[]
- Sometimes, the Buffalo at Catalina's hideout will have rain particles coming off of the rear trunk that are only visible by looking at it through the camera. This is more likely to occur during foggy weather or in the late day and sunrise.
Grand Theft Auto IV[]
- The Buffalo shown in billboards has a large Bravado logo within its grille, unlike the FIB Buffalo or the civilian Buffalo which have a small logo above the grille. Interestingly, the billboard Buffalo also retains the police lights found on the FIB variant.
The Ballad of Gay Tony[]
- If the player takes a Buffalo to a Pay 'n' Spray too many times, it will turn a unique, dark green color. This color will then be permanent, and no amount of subsequent resprays will change it. This is most likely a glitch, as almost every other car in the game will continually cycle through its color palette. The exceptions are the Dukes, the Infernus, and the PMP 600, which all suffer from the glitch.
- Though the paint job of Mori's Buffalo is regarded as unique in-game, Buffalo's with the same color can be found, driven by pedestrians.
- The Buffalo may appear in the Drug Wars as a vehicle for drug escorts, and may have unique body colors. A black Buffalo may also be found be parked near the jetty where the player lands any drug helicopter that they must steal during certain Drug Wars.
- While its law enforcement variants use the traditional cop horn (or Brickade's horn if driven by NPCs), the Buffalo shares the same horn with similar cars like the Sultan and Sentinel.
- Compared to the FIB Buffalo, the Buffalo appears considerably smaller than its government counterpart, with it being slightly narrower.
Grand Theft Auto V and Online[]
- In Los Santos Customs, there was a glitch that let the player remove the bumpers and skirts from the regular Buffalo, but this has been rectified in a patch.
Grand Theft Auto Online[]
- For any player who views their GTA Online garage and owns a Buffalo or Buffalo S, will be displayed as the car itself. Player's upgrades remain unless changed.
See Also[]
- Buffalo S – Sports model appearing in Grand Theft Auto V.
- Ruiner – A similar car in the HD Universe that fills the 1980s sports car slot of the Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas's Buffalo.
- FIB Buffalo – A law enforcement variant of the Buffalo found in Grand Theft Auto IV and Grand Theft Auto V.
- Police Cruiser – A law enforcement variant of the Buffalo found in TBoGT multiplayer and occasionally in GTA V.