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Old 04-27-2006, 03:41 PM
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brick brick is offline
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Real Name: Tim
Hybrids: '07 Prius
Posts: 441
Default Re: Test Drove 06 Civic Hybrid - odd engine smell?

Oily smells in new cars are often caused by an anti-corrosive coating applied to exhaust systems after manufacture. This coating, literally oil, has to "burn off" for a few hundred miles after initial delivery. (It's not really burning, more like evaporating at high temperature). The same thing occurs when you have a new muffler or other exhaust system installed on and older car. I can't say with 100% certainty since I can't smell this car myself, but I can tell you with 99% certainty that this is the issue based on your description. Nothing to worry about, as it will go away quickly as the car is driven.
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