Before the drive
Ask for fresheners to be removed
Remove hanging and vent fresheners, with permission.
First breath
Open the door and note the smell before getting in.
Look and touch
Check headliner color, glass film, seat seams and carpet dampness.
During the drive
After the drive
- Park and close up
- Leave the car closed, ideally in the sun, for ten minutes.
- Reopen
- Smell again; residue often shows up now.
- Check under the hood
- Look and smell for leaks or burning near the engine.
- Ask questions
- Smoking history, water damage, recent detailing.
Interpreting what you find
A faint stale smell that fades is usually routine. Smoke residue on glass and headliner means cleanup costs to factor into your offer. Musty smells with damp carpet can mean a leak or flood history, which is a bigger risk. Fuel, exhaust and sweet coolant smells need a mechanic's opinion before buying.
Questions to ask the seller
Ask whether anyone smoked in the car, whether it has had water damage or leaks, whether it was recently detailed or treated for odor, and whether any of these statements can be backed up with records. Plain answers help; vague ones are worth noting. Ask for service records, which may show AC work, leak repairs or filter changes that explain a smell.
If the seller has had odor treatment done, ask what the original problem was. If the car passes every check and the seller's answers line up with what you observed, you can buy with more confidence. If something does not add up, a pre-purchase inspection at an independent shop is inexpensive compared with the cost of a hidden leak or a smell you cannot remove. Walking away is always an option. Take your time; a seller in a hurry is not a reason to skip checks.
Common questions
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection?
Yes, especially if you notice musty, fuel or coolant smells. A mechanic can check for leaks and water damage.
General information for Aurora, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.