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Why You Should Avoid Used Cars That Smell Like a Cat Litter Box

During a used car pre-purchase inspection your sense of smell can alert you to a cat-pungent litter box smell that should steer you immediately away from making a used car deal.
Bad Cat Smell Used Car Warning

Not a Crazy Cat Lady Car

While shopping for a used car, you just might on occasion come across one that has a thick ammonia smell within the interior or truck. While assuming the car might have originally belonged to a car owner who took their cats along for joy rides or frequent visits to the vet for a constant urinary tract infection problem, there is another possibility that you will want to consider: it could have been a drug runner.

Related article: The Most Important Used Car Test You Should Do Before Deciding to Buy a Used Car

Related article: Consumer Reports Car Experts Have This to Say About Whether You Should Pay More on Synthetic Oil for Your Oil Change

That’s the story in a recent Hoovie’s Garage YouTube channel episode where the host reveals that after buying a used Maserati cheap from a bank repo sale, he discovered an ammonia smell that he believes indicates the car was involved in the drug trade through its past owner. In other words, that Maserati turned out to be a “Metherrotti.”

Aside from the used car litter box smell warning, this video is a good example of what happens when an engine has not had an oil change over 60,000 miles and what you can do to help clear out a really bad oil sludge engine problem.

Related article: Subaru Crosstrek Engine Oil Analysis After 3,000 Mile Test

My cheap Maserati Levante repo was a DRUG RUNNER, with NO OIL CHANGE for 60,000 miles!?!?!

And finally…

For additional articles about red flags to look out for in a used car, here are some selected articles for your consideration that will be helpful:

• Used Car Dealer Scam with Superglue and Drywall Screws

• Concealed Collision Damage and Car Seller Impersonator Scams

• Used Car Seller Tricks to Resurrect a Flood Damaged Car

COMING UP NEXT: Most Reliable New Cars and SUVs Under $30,000 Recommended by Consumer Reports

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

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