Used car with smoke smell
Discussion
I suspect I know what the answer is but I've been awake all night thinking about it.
The wife bought a new used car yesterday after her old one was written off.
Kona ev from a main dealer.
We agreed a price over thebohone, gave deposit and went to go and collect yesterday and all seemed OK till I sat in it after it was bought and paid for and realised it's been a bloody smokers car. The wife in typical fashion said, oh ye I did notice a bit of a smell but just assumed it was because it's been stood for a bit.
The wife has to transport bridal gowns for her work and is now paranoid about the smell spreading which I think is valid, plus it wasn't exactly a cheap car.
I'm annoyed at myself for not checking but I guess fell into a false sense of security thinking a main dealer sale with warranty etc what could be wrong with it.
I'm guessing as my wife viewed it and paid for it in person there's not a huge amount we can do now?
Ideally, I don't want the car, from what I've read no matter how much it's cleaned or fogged it won't ever go away completely, fine if its super cheap but it wasn't.
Havent approached the dealer yet as in not sure of the best way to proceed, but I highly suspect they won't take it back with open arms.
Appreciate any advice, even if it is just that it's been an expensive mistake.
The wife bought a new used car yesterday after her old one was written off.
Kona ev from a main dealer.
We agreed a price over thebohone, gave deposit and went to go and collect yesterday and all seemed OK till I sat in it after it was bought and paid for and realised it's been a bloody smokers car. The wife in typical fashion said, oh ye I did notice a bit of a smell but just assumed it was because it's been stood for a bit.
The wife has to transport bridal gowns for her work and is now paranoid about the smell spreading which I think is valid, plus it wasn't exactly a cheap car.
I'm annoyed at myself for not checking but I guess fell into a false sense of security thinking a main dealer sale with warranty etc what could be wrong with it.
I'm guessing as my wife viewed it and paid for it in person there's not a huge amount we can do now?
Ideally, I don't want the car, from what I've read no matter how much it's cleaned or fogged it won't ever go away completely, fine if its super cheap but it wasn't.
Havent approached the dealer yet as in not sure of the best way to proceed, but I highly suspect they won't take it back with open arms.
Appreciate any advice, even if it is just that it's been an expensive mistake.
The Consumer Contracts Regulations (2013) offers you the right to cancel or return your vehicle from the moment you place your order until 14 days after it has been delivered – provided the entire buying process was completed online and you didn’t have opportunity to see or discuss the goods or services in person.
This 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ can certainly provide a peace of mind, but you need to read your contract and check your rights, just to make sure you’re actually covered.
Conditions are likely to apply, and the details will vary in different contracts. For example, you may be allowed to drive a “reasonable distance”, for example under 30 miles, within a set time period before you decide. Fair use policies will also apply in the event of any damage to the vehicle happening while in your care.
These Regulations only apply if the whole buying process is done online – collecting and signing for the car on premises, or test driving the car before you buy it, could mean they no longer apply.
Speak to the dealer most will take it back with a bit of pressure.
This 14-day ‘cooling-off period’ can certainly provide a peace of mind, but you need to read your contract and check your rights, just to make sure you’re actually covered.
Conditions are likely to apply, and the details will vary in different contracts. For example, you may be allowed to drive a “reasonable distance”, for example under 30 miles, within a set time period before you decide. Fair use policies will also apply in the event of any damage to the vehicle happening while in your care.
These Regulations only apply if the whole buying process is done online – collecting and signing for the car on premises, or test driving the car before you buy it, could mean they no longer apply.
Speak to the dealer most will take it back with a bit of pressure.
[quote=Rib]Isn't that only for distance selling? Ie buying from cinch ratger than seeing the car in person before paying the full amount though? [/q
Not always, if the dealer has tried to disguise the smell or play it down it may been enough.
Was it a independent trader or a chain the bought from?
Not always, if the dealer has tried to disguise the smell or play it down it may been enough.
Was it a independent trader or a chain the bought from?
loskie said:
Perfect, it was a promise car so we should be able to fall back on that if nothing else. Thank you! loskie said:
100% this. Tell them immediately that you wish to return the car and stand your ground. I am certain they will offer to get the car Valeted, but do not let them do this as you will never get rid of the smell. Even if you think it has gone, on a hot day the car will smell again.Stick to your guns, no matter what they say or offer just keep repeating you want to return the car. Do not waste any time.
ThingsBehindTheSun said:
loskie said:
100% this. Tell them immediately that you wish to return the car and stand your ground. I am certain they will offer to get the car Valeted, but do not let them do this as you will never get rid of the smell. Even if you think it has gone, on a hot day the car will smell again.Stick to your guns, no matter what they say or offer just keep repeating you want to return the car. Do not waste any time.
Godd luck!
Ken_Code said:
You will never, ever get rid of the smell. If you ever park it in the sun it’ll absolutely stink again.
As others have said, reject it immediately. Take it back, park it there, give them the keys and refuse to let them do anything to stop you exercising your rights.
Exercising what rights ? The car was viewed and the smell was noted before the money was paid - unless I am reading the OP's post incorrectly. As others have said, reject it immediately. Take it back, park it there, give them the keys and refuse to let them do anything to stop you exercising your rights.
Twig62 said:
Exercising what rights ? The car was viewed and the smell was noted before the money was paid - unless I am reading the OP's post incorrectly.
maybe suggest it was masked by air fresheners and once aired out now smells rather unpleasant , will need the specialist treatment not a quick hoover and wiper overTwig62 said:
Exercising what rights ? The car was viewed and the smell was noted before the money was paid - unless I am reading the OP's post incorrectly.
The right to avail himself of the 30 day / 1,000 mile offer which form part of the sales agreement.The right to have goods which are as described and suitable for the purpose for which they are sold.
Ken_Code said:
Twig62 said:
Exercising what rights ? The car was viewed and the smell was noted before the money was paid - unless I am reading the OP's post incorrectly.
The right to avail himself of the 30 day / 1,000 mile offer which form part of the sales agreement.The right to have goods which are as described and suitable for the purpose for which they are sold.
I hope you get a different car or your money back, smokers cars are horrible things and the smell never goes away.
Jimjimhim said:
I would imagine the car meets both criteria of being sold as described and being suitable for the purpose of which it was sold.
I hope you get a different car or your money back, smokers cars are horrible things and the smell never goes away.
Only if it was described as stinking of smoke.I hope you get a different car or your money back, smokers cars are horrible things and the smell never goes away.
Ken_Code said:
You will never, ever get rid of the smell. If you ever park it in the sun it’ll absolutely stink again.
As others have said, reject it immediately. Take it back, park it there, give them the keys and refuse to let them do anything to stop you exercising your rights.
You can now thanks to new technology - I was caught out by a dealer doing exactly the same thing with a secondhand car to me.As others have said, reject it immediately. Take it back, park it there, give them the keys and refuse to let them do anything to stop you exercising your rights.
Main dealer approved used too... and the first time I turned on the heating I was showered with ash from the vents and stank so bad I had to take a shower!
The main dealer I bought from wouldn't refund me, only give me the option of swapping for one of their other cars in stock. I bet they knew exactly what the issue was when they were selling it.
Biosweep are the company to use, costs a few hundred but they will completely remove the smoke damage from the car permanently if you want to keep it - I've had a few other used cars that had smoke issues and never found anything to remove it that worked long term until I discovered these people.
Edited by Whataguy on Thursday 9th May 12:14
Whataguy said:
You can now thanks to new technology - I was caught out by a dealer doing exactly the same thing with a secondhand car to me.
Main dealer approved used too... and the first time I turned on the heating I was showered with ash from the vents and stank so bad I had to take a shower!
The main dealer I bought from wouldn't refund me, only give me the option of swapping for one of their other cars in stock. I bet they knew exactly what the issue was when they were selling it.
Biosweep are the company to use, costs a few hundred but they will completely remove the smoke damage from the car permanently if you want to keep it - I've had a few other used cars that had smoke issues and never found anything to remove it that worked long term until I discovered these people.
Do you know how they do it? I had to get lawyers involved after I was caught out in exactly the same way as the OP was.Main dealer approved used too... and the first time I turned on the heating I was showered with ash from the vents and stank so bad I had to take a shower!
The main dealer I bought from wouldn't refund me, only give me the option of swapping for one of their other cars in stock. I bet they knew exactly what the issue was when they were selling it.
Biosweep are the company to use, costs a few hundred but they will completely remove the smoke damage from the car permanently if you want to keep it - I've had a few other used cars that had smoke issues and never found anything to remove it that worked long term until I discovered these people.
Edited by Whataguy on Thursday 9th May 12:14
simon_harris said:
what about ozone treatment for the smell, I've seen good reports on it but no idea if it actually works.
I had this exact problem with a car I bought and had an ozone treatment carried out. There was still some residual smell immediately afterwards as mine had been very bad but after a couple of weeks driving it had cleared and I can’t smell it at all now.
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