Smoking in a car can stub out up to £2,000 of its value
New survey reveals 87 per cent of people wouldn’t buy a car that has been smoked in
Smoking in a car could cut up to £2,000 from its value.
Smells, stains and burn marks left by smoking in a car could drastically reduce the sell-on price, according to research by vehicle data company Cap HPI.
More than 30 million cars are on UK roads and it’s estimated there are circa 7.6 million smokers across the country. As a result, Cap HPI believes that as much as £9.6 billion could be lost in used-car values because of the habit.
Smoking in a car can have long-lasting effects — stale smoke can become ingrained in upholstery, and in some extreme cases, a purge of the air-conditioning system may be required to remove the smell.
A survey of 6,000 people by motoring publication Carbuyer also revealed that 87 per cent wouldn’t buy a used car that had been smoked in.
Editor Stuart Milne said: “With the cost of smoking increasing all the time, lighting up in your car is yet another hidden expense.
“Not only does our research show that a car that’s been smoked in will be harder to sell on, but it could also cost you thousands.
“Bearing this in mind, it’s far better to pull over and get out before you light up.”
