Expert: Bob - 11/9/2010

Question
I took my range rover in for a repair and the dealership left the sun roof open.  Close to 2 inches of rain fell that day.  Car smells like sour urine and dealership has opened a claim after almost 2 months at our insistance. Dealership said they did not do anything but pull carpet and 2 front seats out to dry.  It smelled after that. Now they are telling us to find some one who will quote repairs.  Will the smell go away or do we need new carpet and new seats, and what about a guarantee that nothing else will show up later on.  Is this car resaleable?  Will it keep its value.  2008, 36,000 miles?

Answer
Hi,

I will try to answer this question in general because being specific with something of this nature should be addressed to a lawyer at this time.

When the interior of a vehicle gets wet, you have about 48 hours to address the problem correctly before mold and mildew start to form. After the 48 hour window it is very difficult to remove this type of smell.

In my service practice with a vehicle in this condition, removal of the carpet to dry is the least that can be done. At this point I would demand that new carpet and insulation be installed.

If you believe the foam cushions of the seats have been damaged because they were wet, then the seats should be replaced.

With so much time that has gone by without this problem being properly corrected, you have to worry about where else there might be mold or mildew and what the smell has penetrated.

With this type of problem my best guess is that it would be very hard to sell this vehicle.