I just bought a 2001 S40. Great car. Fun to drive but there is this old car smell coming from the vent and car smells like it to when coming into the car. I describe it as old car smell but don't know what to describe it as. Not sure if that is normal for these cars to smell like that. It smells of like old oil and gas small. How do I get rid of it?

 

Start by checking/replacing the cabin filter and cleaning out the housing as best as possible while its out.

 

Cabin filter.

 

Will replace the air filter and report back.

 

does it get better or worse with the AC on/off or with the heater on/off? after doing the filter, you may want to check if the AC drains are clear. When you have the filter out, you may also try spraying some Lysol (choose something like "Fresh Scent") into the intake - turn the AC on full (no recirc) and let the blower pull in the mist for a minute or so.

 

Feel like it gets worse when having the heater on. Its the kind of smell that sticks to your closing and can smell it on clothing after leaving the car. Its the kind of smell I have noticed on old cars at a junk yard that have been sitting there a while.

 

Okay, took out the cabin filter and it was absolutely disgusting. Looks like it was never changed. A bunch of leaves and dust where accumulated in the filter and filter holder area. Put a brand new filter. Cleaned it out with bleach and car is a lot better now. Still has residue smell in the vents but with will air out or I will have to hit it with Lysol disinfectant spray. Thanks fellas.