Buying a vehicle that has been smoked in?

5909 Views 13 Replies 10 Participants Last post by PA-NC Cruiser, Apr 1, 2011

Xx_Black-out

Discussion Starter · Mar 31, 2011

Hi,

I'm looking at purchasing a FJ that is in great shape, except the previous owner smoked in it "for a few months".

He claims there is no scent or any type of smoking odor whatsoever. I'm skeptical though, I don't know if I have ever been in a smokers vehicle and could not tell they had smoked in it!

Question #1:
If there is a slight scent/odor, what is the best method to remove it? I did a search on here and found where someone used a product called 'oxium' or something like that..

Question #2:
Is there an easy method for fixing/hiding a cigarette burn in the headliner? He says he hasn't tried to clean or cover them up yet, so they might lighten up. Here is a picture of the said burn spots...

Overall, it is a great vehicle for a pretty good price. This is really the only flaw it has. Obviously, I don't smoke and have never bought a smokers vehicle... Do you think I am being too picky, what do you suggest?
:cheers:

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frozengi

· #2 · Mar 31, 2011

I would not buy it. But thats just me. As a non smoker you will for sure be able to smell it. With burn marks in the roof I am sure he smoked in it for more than a FEW months. Plenty of other FJ,s out there. Be patient and shop around. Just my opinion.

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Xx_Black-out

Discussion Starter · #3 · Mar 31, 2011

PHP:

frozengi said:
I would not buy it. But thats just me. As a non smoker you will for sure be able to smell it. With burn marks in the roof I am sure he smoked in it for more than a FEW months. Plenty of other FJ,s out there. Be patient and shop around. Just my opinion.

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate the honesty.
:cheers:

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Ivan70

· #4 · Mar 31, 2011

frozengi said:
I would not buy it. But thats just me. As a non smoker you will for sure be able to smell it. With burn marks in the roof I am sure he smoked in it for more than a FEW months. Plenty of other FJ,s out there. Be patient and shop around. Just my opinion.

X2, I wouldn`t buy it. Getting odor out is a royal PIA. I am a smoker, but i don`t smoke in my vehicles... i know, weird... just can`t stand the smell. And stains on the headliner... yuck. Look for a clean truck man :bigthumb:

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ridgerunner2021

· #5 · Mar 31, 2011

I don't like the looks of that. How the hell do you burn a headliner, TWICE???
Get in it, close the windows, take a deep breath through your nose and let it decide. I wouldn't buy it if the burns aren't removed. If you get in the car and it smells very sweet from some kind of air freshener I'd walk away. Good luck.

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Xx_Black-out

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 31, 2011

It's a great looking truck, low mileage and most importantly...in the price range!

I might go look it over and decide from there. I have a good friend who runs an upholstery shop, so he can hook me up with a headliner if need be. ...Just think, blue suede headliner...ha jk jk

I agree, I'll let my nose be the judge on this one.

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shack

· #7 · Mar 31, 2011

those burns not only discolor, but the headliner material is singed as well. Short of getting it replaced, there's nothing you can do. (I guess they might be able to use ducking or something to repair the spot, not sure though)

The smell itself will come out after a couple of months on its own. I'd check all the seats and the vinyl floor for burns too, especially the rear drivers side area.

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wraven

· #8 · Mar 31, 2011

A new headliner for an FJ is about 1600 bucks (Damn side curtain airbags).

I would negotiate the price based on replacing the headliner!

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Xx_Black-out

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 31, 2011

wraven said:
A new headliner for an FJ is about 1600 bucks (Damn side curtain airbags).

I would negotiate the price based on replacing the headliner!

Wow, $1600! (how did you know this?lol) So its not something that can be recovered?

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Gunny

· #10 · Mar 31, 2011

Xx_Black-out said:
Wow, $1600! (how did you know this?lol) So its not something that can be recovered?

Yes, they can be recovered; Wikid recovered his.

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Xx_Black-out

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 31, 2011

Gunny said:
Yes, they can be recovered; Wikid recovered his.

Good to hear!

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WyoCruiser

· #12 · Mar 31, 2011 (Edited)

The burned headliner gives me pause as to how conscientious the owner is and to how this vehicle has been treated.

Take your time and look around some more. If you are really stuck on this particular unit: You say it is in great shape so I assume you have taken it to a trusted mechanic/tech and paid to have it thoroughly checked out. I have done this several times and the mechanic discovered hidden damage and negligence on apparently nice looking vehicles that appeared to run fine, but myself and my friends totally missed. That Voodoo Blue can put a spell on you.

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mountain mike

· #13 · Mar 31, 2011

Those look more like cigar burns than cigarette burns to me, unless he held the cigarette there and rolled it around a bit.

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PA-NC Cruiser

· #14 · Apr 1, 2011

As a former smoker...I would say PASS...even as a smoker, I never smoked in my vehicles or in my home....leaves a nasty smell and burn marks quite often.....

Even if the seller can "cover" the smell...it WILL resurface, not to mention, cigarette smoke deteriorates the glue that holds the headliner in place, often resulting in "sagging headliner" issues....

It is just best to avoid the vehicle altogether....

IMO

:cheers:

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