Peter,
If you've saved money by buying a cheap car then why not save more money by doing the valet yourself?
There is an art to this, in particular with a smokers smell. First take out all the clutter and give it a really thorough vacuum. Then you need to wash every surface, not just spray something on top and polish. Get a quality interior cleaner spray for plastic and fabric (assuming no leather in your bargain car!). You will need a bucket of warm water, nail brush, cloth and towel. Spray on the surface cleaner and work in with the nail brush, leaving for a few minutes. Use the warm water and damp cloth to wipe of excess, wringing it out and wiping again. Repeat 'till all the cleaning product/dirt is removed. Then get the clean towel and rub area 'till dry, this step will remove the last of the dirt.
You need to treat every single surface like this, plastic panels, dash, seats, headlining, carpets.
One good tip...take out the ashtrays and clean these in the sink with scalding water/squeezy. I have seen a £60 valet wher they just tipped out the ashtrays and the car was smelling again in a matter of hours from the "tar" deposits.
Then when the car has dried in an hour or two use an interior "back to black" type spray on all the plastic/rubber trims and polish it all.
Finally clean the inside of the windows with a leather to remove the extra "tint" from dirt.
I think you'll notice a huge difference. If it does still smell after this then you can try the carpet type steam cleaner hire. They do a fantastic job on cloth seats and carpets but can leave the car a little damp for a while this time of year.
My choice would be Autoglym products, they are expensive but seem to go a long way and do the job well.
Oh yes, it wasn't you at the Bedford auction buying that 1993 Lada Riva Estate (with MOT) for £25 ? We won't be unkind if you own up!
David
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Ta for comprehensive answer, there is obviously no option but hard work!
I said '£60 ....approaching value' (not cost). PS It was a 340 1.7,
but it does join the family fleet of
Ford Fiesta Zetec (normally for the wife)
Golf GTI 8v mk2 for me (57k accreditted miles but ex cat D, very light)
TR7 conv for me on sunny dry days (63k genuine miles and never welded)
Old Polo (daughter)
and still sitting in the garage a Kit built Scamp from 15 yrs ago! Any offers?
My maintenance skills
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David
I'd agree with all that you say - no substitute for elbow grease.
Highly recommend getting out the VAX to do the upholstry though, as it does thoroughly wash through the surface, and it soon dries out.
regards
John
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