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I bought a second hand Toyota Sienna 4 months ago. Even though it is a 2009 with 100,000km on it, the interior had that "new car" smell to it, and held it for several weeks.

Four months later, the smell is gone, so I'm assuming that they sprayed something before the sell. Anyone knows what that could be?

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  • I was told that it was shredded polyester scraps from the manufacturing line.
    – JDługosz
    May 30, 2016 at 7:28
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    If you ever have your windshield replaced (driving under black walnut trees in late summer may help in this regard) you'll find the "new car" smell is back. I've had multiple replacements (only one of which, alas, was black walnut-induced :-) and every time my car smelled like it was back on the showroom floor. So at least some of it appears to be the volatiles in the adhesive used to attach the windshield to the frame. YMMV.
    – Bob Jarvis - Слава Україні
    May 30, 2016 at 16:11
  • As an aside, some manufacturers now sell new car smell as an option: themanufacturer.com/articles/…
    – Chenmunka
    May 31, 2016 at 9:06

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There are several products that claim to install a new car smell. Meguiar's G4216 New Car Scent Protectant is one of many that are available. Smell is a very subjective so reviews vary on these products. Automotive detailers use products not available on the retail market; one of these is likely what you smelled in your used car.

Here is an article on the subject. Car and Driver on new car smell

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