Ford Dealer Says "New" Car Hard to Sell After Being Used for Smoking

A Ford sales representative stated that a 2025 Ford Escape at their dealership—classified as new and offered at a steep discount—is unlikely to sell. The vehicle was previously used as a courtesy loaner car for service customers, has accumulated several thousand miles, yet is still being marketed as new. The salesperson noted the car has strong features, a sporty exterior, and a nice interior, but its resale prospects have been severely hampered by lingering cigarette smoke odor, as a previous service customer had smoked inside the vehicle. Despite the significant discount, this issue continues to deter potential buyers. Eliminating smoke odor typically requires thorough interior cleaning, including carpets, seats, headliner, the HVAC system, and replacement of the cabin air filter. Recommended remedies range from using baking soda, coffee grounds, or halved onions to absorb odors, to professional treatments like ozone cleaning. Some viewers questioned whether it’s appropriate to label the vehicle as “new” given its prior use and persistent smoke smell, arguing it should instead be classified as used. Others commented that the current price of $26,117 doesn’t offer enough discount, suggesting a price closer to $17,500 would make it far more appealing to buyers.