another smoking related question....

yattesbaby

These smoking posts are very timely and I wanted to get your thoughts on something.  We were planning to buy a larger vehicle after the baby is born.  DH asked me if I would be interested in his dad's car since he is going to be selling it soon.  The problem is that his dad is a smoker and smokes in the car.  DH thinks it can be detailed to remove all of the smoke smell but I was concerned about it even before I saw these smoking posts and the link to the MSNBC article about 3rd hand smoke.  What do you think?  If we have the interior detailed will that get rid of all of the smoke smell and residue or should we just pass on the car?

lauti

I'd pass.  Detailing might make it look cleaner and smell nicer temporarily, but it will never fully take it away.

 

Gwyneddlesliegrace

I would also pass, we lived in an apt with previous smokers, even after the place had been painted yellow streeks of nicotine would seep through the paint. So yucky!

g00dg0llymsm0lly

I'd probably pass too, especially if the car has carpet seats (vs leather or something else that can be wiped down) as the seats will have "soaked up" the smoke; not necessarily something you can get rid of with a detailing.

darmca

I HATE the smell of smoke, so I tend to think 'pass' as well- but I wanted to let you know my DH's truck was purchased reeking of smoke and after lots of febreeze and some windows down time, it no longer smelled. We've owned it for about 3 years now and never had a problem with the smell coming back.

Ferris1013

I used to smoke, I had my car detailed it seemed to help for me. Shampooed carpets and such, my morning sickness and smells didn't go together well. I guess if I were going to buy a different car I would avoid it, and  it brings the value down in the long run too. Good luck!

cherokeemomma87

Yeah, I would pass too, I have always hated the smell of smoking and would be able to smell it even if the car was detailed.  It prolly sounds paranoid, but I wouldnt want to take any chances.

Sharon21

My husband and I just bought a used van (it is a 2009 so not too old). It is very clean on the inside and did not smell of smoke at all. However, after we bought it we discovered that the previous owner must have smoked in it because we found a cigarette butt in the floor where the back seats click in. I use to be a smoker and since I quit I cannot stand the smell of smoke and am very sensitive to it (especially now being pregnant) and I had no clue that anyone had smoked in the car. I think if you got it professionally detailed that it would be fine. Maybe since it is your in-laws car you could have it detailed before agreeing to buy it (maybe get them to split the cost) and if it works you will probably end up saving money and if it doesn't you wont loose that much. 

bonniewallace

You would be surprised how many used cars you buy off the lot were once owned and smoked in by smokers.  Unless you buy a brand new car, there is no guarantee that it wasn't smoked in.  Depending on where you get it detailed and how thorough they are, the smoke can definitely come out (and won't come back).  I used to smoke, had my car detailed and it smelled awesome and the smell did not come back. 

Besides, I find it kind of silly to be THAT AFRAID of smoke that USED TO be there.  Your baby is more likely to get more second hand smoke when you're walking them in their stroller down the sidewalk in a public area.