Tips on Buying Cars: Smell in used car, cigarette smoke, ford van

Question
Not long ago I bought a 2000 used Ford van in very good condition except that in the interior there is an odor that just won't go away. It does not seem to stem from smoking, animals, mold or any smell that I recognize nor does it have its origins in the engine or mechanical parts. Interior sprays only mask the smell but don't eliminate it. Sniffing the upholstery and other areas does not isolate the source. Any suggestions?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi homer
Yes interior sprays will sometime only mask the problem for a short period of time and every spray you buy the Mfg claims to be the best.
An auto detailer told me dealing with cigarette smoke odor is not much of a problem anymore but other odor's can be a real problem especially when it gets hot and humid and simply spraying does not solve the problem, he claims to use a product with some success and charge min 2hr labour rate to apply it properly  http://www.forceoutproducts.com/how_to5.htm

Homer, i have no personal experience with this product but thought i would pass it on, i can tell you however i have known interior being replaced and the odor came back and a few cases where the consumer traded vehicle to solve the problem
Good Luck
 Ray
PS...i will be interested to know the final outcome