A new survey by car-selling expert Autotrader reveals that some of the most popular car air freshener scents could be deterring potential buyers and even putting off people from getting in at all.
Of 2,000 drivers surveyed, 60% reported having felt discomfort due to a car’s smell, and 24% said they would actively avoid getting into a car due to its scent.
Younger drivers (17-34) are especially sensitive to artificial scents, with 77% saying they have felt uncomfortable or avoided travelling in a car due to its smell; compared to just 35% of people aged 55 and over.
Worst offenders? Sweet and strong scents top the list
Sweet and dessert-like fragrances such as vanilla and bubble gum are the most disliked scents, with 29% of people finding them unpleasant. Coffee came in second, putting off 27% of the public with its rich aroma.
Erin Baker, a car selling expert at Autotrader, adds, “An overpowering smell of an artificial scent can often raise red flags for car buyers, as they can be seen to be used to mask an odour. This can make them suspicious that a seller is covering up a worse underlying odour, which may resurface later down the line.
Interestingly, younger drivers were more likely to be bothered by coffee smells, with 37% of 17- to 24-year-olds avoiding the scent.
Geography also plays a role in scent preferences, with drivers in London most affected by unpleasant scents (77%) while those in the East Midlands are the least bothered (52%).
Buying decisions swayed by car scents
The smell of a car has a significant impact on sales, in more than half of cases (58%) drivers said an unpleasant scent would put them off buying a car, even if it was otherwise in good condition.
While 24% of drivers said they would not buy a car at all due to the smell, and 34% would ask for a discount or consider alternatives.
Erin Baker, a car selling expert at Autotrader, explains: “Smell might not be a factor people consider when selling a car, but for buyers it can be one of the first things they notice. A fragrance you may find inoffensive or enjoy could be overpowering and off-putting to someone else.
“If you are preparing your car to sell, a deep clean and neutral scent are preferable and can make all the difference in the sale process.”
“Autotrader also makes it easy for buyers to prioritise freshness from the outset, allowing you to filter listings by tags like “pet-free” or “smoke-free,” helping you avoid unwanted odours before you even step inside the car. It’s one more reason why being upfront about your car’s condition, including how it smells, can help your listing stand out.”
Expert tips for selling your car and avoiding sabotaging scents
Autotrader’s experts have shared three key tips to help maximise your cars appeal when selling:
1. Stick to neutral scents: Opt for clean, subtle fragrances like linen or cotton. Alternatively, avoid air fresheners completely and instead focus on cleanliness.
2. Clean, don’t mask: Use upholstery cleaners to remove lingering smells from food, pets, and smoke, instead of covering them up.
3. Think like a car buyer: Before listing your car for sale, try to view it as a buyer would. Assess the car’s cleanliness and smell before selling it.
Erin continues, “If you find a car that you love, don’t let an unpleasant smell put you off. You may be able to negotiate a discount or solve the problem entirely with a professional clean.