So last night I purchased my first car, a 2011 Buick Regal RL2. When I sat down in the car for the first time, it literally smelled like an italian hoagie/hero sandwich. I thought at first it was just me, then my mom smelled the same thing. So did my friend, her parents, her sister, etc.

I was told today by a different dealership (than the one I purchased it at) that delivery on the Regal has slowed down because of a known factory defect in the headliners, thats causing it to "smell like a deli."

Does anyone have any proof of this or know if this is true? The car is so new so it'* hard to find any information on it whatsoever. I just bought my first car and I hoped it would look, smell and feel like a new car, instead I thought the dealer delivery driver stopped for a subway sandwich.

HELP!

I would be taking it back at this point. If I paid for a new car, I would want a new car. Not a Deli Special.

Yeah the dealer arranged for it to be taken in and inspected today while I'm at the workplace, I still am curious to know if this is a case of just a few cars having this issue, or if any other Buick or GM vehicles have had the same issue.

That'* Weird! LOL

Hahaha I'm sorry that'* hillarious.

I think this is a little funny too. It'* German made right? I can't picture the factory with sausages layer everywhere, employees always chewin' on 'em, greasy sausage hands...

You mean something like this scene from Seinfled?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsjnR-sOoY8

Well what did the dealer say the odor was from?? If you didnt smell it during the demo and delivery it seems like the dealer did and coverrd it up! I would be going up and down that dealershiip like there will be no tomorrow. Everyone can laugh but that sucks spending $30K and having this happen. Hope everything works out for you and your first new car.

I know exactly what you're talking about. I have been looking to purchase this car and went to test drive it at 1 of the dealerships. I was alerted by the sales person prior to getting in the car that there is a smell and that Buick knows about it and is working on correcting it. He told me it is from the headliner in the car. I test drove it anyway because I didn't think it was going to be so bad but man oh man was I wrong. I could even taste it on my lips. Several weeks later I went to a different dealership and asked the manager if the odor problem was corrected. He smiled and said "oh, you know about that?" and then he told me that they got new cars and was assured that the smell was now gone. So I got in one of the new Buick Regals they had just gotten in and guess what? STILL THERE! And again the salesperson who accompanied me in the car (not the manager) agreed that it was still there. I hope they fix it because it seems like a nice car. Bottom line....they know about it so don't let them play dumb about the whole thing. I wouldn't be surprised if it is somehow bad for your health because I felt very sick afterwards!

Wow! A new car that smells like a deli. I think that would drive me crazy not being able to taste the goodies. I'd be going crazy getting hungry all the time. But I can reassure you, my son would drive you worse nuts with the gas he passes...and he thinks it'* funny.

Seriously, why would the headliner of one series of car "smell bad"? Gotta be the material or glues they're using not being compatible. I work with trains. One of the operating ends in one of our Light Rail Vehicles was fine until the fall when the heaters needed to be turned on. Then, every motorman who drove it asked for it to be changed out at the end of the line. Reason? The cab smelled like stale urine when the heaters were on. Warranty from SIEMENS was excellent. Train went out of service for several months while another cab was installed. Old cab was analyzed and found that the fibreglass hardners were at fault. Mixed in wrong concentrations with an "unknown" additive.

I would take the car back and get another dealer loaner of another model till they fix it. No way I'd buy a new car and put up with that kind of nonsense. Good luck, and hope the solution comes your way soon.