Advice re used car purchase

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Tue 14 Aug 2012 23:20
Advice re used car purchase - fuzz24
Hi,
I have just purchased a used Chevrolet captiva and am due to pick it up on Thursday. Today I popped over to the dealership to sign paperwork and whist waiting about I went and sat in the car. Both my partner and I were immediately overcome by a strange odour, we later identified this smell as rabbit urine ( ex owner had used the car to ferry her pets about to shows). We relayed our concerns to the sales rep and were assured the car would be valeted.
However when we got home the smell was still noticeable on our clothes. As our concerns were raised we have spent the evening researching he subject on the Internet, it appears this could escalate to quite a serious issue unless the car is thoroughly cleaned, some forums even indicate all seats should be deep cleaned by specialist. At this point I have no reason to believe ht the dealer will not action this but I am a little concerned that car could be valeted and air freshner used to mask the smell, research indicates that the smell is very likely to return. What course of action should I take to ensure the dealership will take full responsibility for this issue. I' m worried if I drive the car away it becomes my problem.
Advice greatly appreciatated, thanks for taking the time to read this.
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Wed 15 Aug 2012 08:56
Advice re used car purchase - Falkirk Bairn

Walk............thwee are lots of other garages and cars out there.

Many years ago the local butcher had an accident - a case of eggs were badly damaged and leaked into car interior over a day or so (not urine over years!!). Car repaired but despite multiple valeting over a few weeks he had to sell it bdecause of the smell

What's your budget?

Local Vx dealer were selling old model,12 reg diesel manual del mileage Antaras (Captiva with different badges & grill) for £12999 before negotiation!

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Wed 15 Aug 2012 11:15
Advice re used car purchase - Armitage Shanks {p}

He can't "Walk" he says he has bought it! Was this pong not apparent when you viewed the car before purchase?

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Wed 15 Aug 2012 11:37
Advice re used car purchase - fuzz24

It wasn't on intial inspection, it apperas the hot weather over the last few days and the fact they closed the doors and rear boot when sold contributed to the smell. I am currently waiting for the sales manager to call me back. I am hopeful we can come to some resolution.

Edited by fuzz24 on 15/08/2012 at 11:39

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