Smokers become dull to the smoke smell so I wouldn't take their opinion the strongest.

If you smell the smoke, it'll be very difficult to remove.

 

Interestingly , my sister in law is allergic to all colognes and perfumes so I never use after shave if I'm going to be around her. Just as interesting, she has never mentioned smoke. I guess it could be another case of ultra politeness but I think i would have heard something by now..

 

Had my car been from a smoker, it would have been an instant deal breaker. I can't stand that smell. I know a few guys that smoke but not in the car for the sole intention to not have the interior smell like an ash tray. Unless you thoroughly clean the interior out like Saki GT has suggested, the smell will remain.

 

Also depends how sensitive you are too, I have friends who are smokers who don't smoke in their car...and their car still smells like smoke.

A regular smoker doesn't even have to smoke in the car for it to smell like smoke.

Just think of it this way, you never sniff yourself when your clean and think you smell. That's because you're used to it. Someone else smells you, and you'll have a difference scent to them.

 

i bought my first s from a smoker, smelled for maybe 2-3 weeks then it completely left, i think the interior materials keep the smell from lingering and dont do much absorbing.

 

I bought a car from a smoker and removed the odor by placing cups of vinegar in the car overnight. Over the course of a few days the smell had subsided (don't worry the vinegar smell will go away as well) - I've also read placing orange peels under the chair works. Definitely try cleaning the interior surfaces as well.

 

I would never buy a car from a smoker (or even a heavy perfume wearer) because I am very sensitive to it, and have zero tolerance. Smokers become desensitized to the smell. We just bought a house, but passed on making offers on three very nice ones because of dog smell. Not worth the risk imo.

In addition to the above suggestions, boxes of baking soda may help. I would try everything!

I am skeptical that you can completely rid the car of the smell. Too many places like the insides of the seats and air system that can't be easily reached. In the end, it just depends on your personal level of tolerance.

 

Deal Breaker for me too. It's not just the smell, but the layer of haze and other materials that get on the car will dry out the leather just like it dries out the smoker's skin.

It's tough to get out of leather. The smell persists for years, especially when you come back to the car and it's damp out.

Smoking out of the car doesn't stop it since it's on your clothes and you rub it all over the car plus it outgasses from you.

 

<-- smoker, and would never buy a car that was smoked in.... Weird? I don't smoke in the car, in my house or when it rains haha I don't like the smell of stale smoke, it is not a good scent and I now non smokers don't like it as well.

 

It's not like it's the only S for sale.

If it were me, I'd keep looking unless the deal was too good to pass up.

-m