Thanks Vajih. I've owned two Cultuses. Very reliable car for doing the job. That's why I know what all is to be required to look into and get the job done. If there is nothing seriously wrong mechanically, then the list is enough to blow a new life into the drive of the car.
INTERIOR CHECKLIST (STEP WISE)
- Remove all seats, clean them, repair if necessary, tighten nuts/springs and use WD-40 to remove rust from metal parts. This will also eliminate squeaks and creaks.
- Remove carpet and wash it with a good shampoo inside out and if possible dry it under a ceiling fan not scorching sun.
- Remove console and clean it thoroughly.
- Wash interior and finally spray with a protectant.
- At this point check all rubber seals and re-tape concealed wiring if need be.
- Clean the dashboard well. Use pressurised air. Look for every possible nut/screw and tighten appropriately. That will check the rattling to a great degree.
- Clean the roof lining upholstery with a good shampoo.
- Remove the instrument cluster (meter) and if necessary get it cleaned from a professional meter wala. May I strongly suggest to change the illumination from Orange to bright blue. You will love it.
- Remove the door inner panels and get them remade as per your liking. Your imagination is the limit.
- If possible, remove the power windows assemblies, degrease them and then lube them with WD-40. Be careful not to tamper the electric circuits.
- Degrease or clean the window channels. Replace if necessary. Reinstall power windows assemblies afterwards.
- Reinstall everything else.
- Do remember to clean the inside of the cabin light.
- There you go. Test the vehicle for any noise. Hopefully you will not only experience a clean, fresh, fragrant interior but also rattle free.
- An important thing. Use clean tooth brush for dashboard and steering wheel backed by a good grade interior cleaner / detailed.
You can do all of the above (meter illumination change job recommended for a pro) yourself over a weekend and will love doing it with the immense degree of satisfaction as compared to handing it over to a service wala and being ripped off. In fact, for the amount you will give him, you could purchase some nice detailing stuff which will become an asset in future projects also. Just remember, DO NOT miss out or ignore small details or places normally ignored by the human eye.