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thinking of buying a fullsize

CMNTMXR81

By CMNTMXR81
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CMNTMXR81 Senior Enthusiast

CMNTMXR81

Posted
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Dude, I HIGHLY recommend it.  I wouldn't mind picking up a 9C1 if I could find one for a decent price.  There is a place on the southside that resells Chicagoland police vehicles and Taxi's (there's thousands of those here), so we have a nice pool to choose from.  Only problem is that they are beat on. :cheers:

 

I suppose I'll just wait and get an Impala SS.   :thumb:

 

If this doesn't convince you about a full size, I dunno what will!  :D

 

http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~jbusby/movies/7...yno_pull_56.wmv

Greg Senior Enthusiast

Greg

Posted
Posted
Some friends of ours bought a used crown vic police cruiser for their son.  The transmission quickly went out and they discovered that a standard transmission wouldn't fit - they had to find the HD unit used in cruisers.  They eventually found one, but it never worked right again and they sold the car in favor of one with more parts availability.  Buyer beware.
ekonk Enthusiast

ekonk

Posted
Posted

For long trips with a couple other people, I suggest buying an old-lady car.  I have a '92 Buick LeSabre, and while it's not much fun to drive most of the time (decent power from the 3.8, but not enough to be fun, really soft suspension) it is great on road trips with 2-3 friends.  I went about 2500 miles with two friends in August, got decent fuel mileage, everyone was comfortable and all the gear fit inside.  

 

If I was buying a car for road trips, I'd probably stay away from the actual cop cars and go for the version they sell to the general public.  I'd probably get a Crown Vic/Grand Marquis or a Roadmaster/Caprice (ideally an Impala SS, except for the $$$ for those) .  That way you get a rwd/V8 car with plenty of room and there are mods available to make it more fun.

99silveradoz71 Senior Enthusiast

99silveradoz71

Posted
Posted
Have to do your homework when buying an old cruiser.  There actually is a book(I don't recall the title) that talks about the hobby and things to focus on when buying them.  I know the car that I started in just got taken out of service(was a dare car after I had it).  It was a 96 or 97 I believe and only had 90k on it.  It felt like they re-did the tranny within the last year because it was a bit smoother than the last time I drove it.  Unfortunately 226(my old 216) isn't going to the auction block, with that low mileage, she's going to be some city bigwig's wheels for another year or 2.  I tip my hat :jester:  and will remember catching the cougar going 104 on I-90...mind you the Dare decals were on the sides at that time...Although the best 1 may have been stopping the guy after clocking him with the laser, then finding drugs in the car while doing an inventory search(he was suspended, thus car towed)...Nothing like walking by mom and the kids coming out of the ice cream shop carrying bongs and pipes back to the Dare car  :cheers:
CMNTMXR81 Senior Enthusiast

CMNTMXR81

Posted
  • Author
Posted

No, the general public cannot go into a GM (or ford) dealership and buy a 9C1 Caprice or P71 Crown Victoria.  Only Taxi, fleet, and municipal customers can.

 

I'd probably stay away from the actual cop cars and go for the version they sell to the general public.

 

Just the opposite bro, at least on the Chevy side (I can't speak for the blue oval side).  I wouldn't spend my money on a Caprice if it wasn't the 9C1.  Much of the HD components are simply over the counter parts you can go buy at the GM parts counter.

 

Just think, you can buy a plain jane Caprice or you can buy one that already has the HD cooling system, HD transmission cooler, HD electrical system, HD suspension components, and usually the stronger engine...LT1 in many cases.

ekonk Enthusiast

ekonk

Posted
Posted

Quote  

I'd probably stay away from the actual cop cars and go for the version they sell to the general public.  

 

 

Just the opposite bro, at least on the Chevy side

 

I'll take your word for it, I really don't know that much about dealing with used cop cars.  I always just assume that they're beat on a bit more, but I know enough about assumptions to not trust them. :cheers:

 

Do they sell the police interceptor pkg to the general public?? thats bassically what i am looking for if i go with crown vic or impala

I've seen general public crown vics with a "Police Interceptor" badge, and I know that mercury also offered a police package option (don't know if they still do...).  I have no idea whether that package is the same as what goes on the actual cop cars.

CMNTMXR81 Senior Enthusiast

CMNTMXR81

Posted
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Posted

Yes, generally they are more beat on as they are serving "Severe Duty Service" as we call it.

 

However, because they come with all the HD hardware, they are able to withstand it a little better.  Even if something breaks, since most of those HD components are also used on other GM vehicles, namely trucks, it isn't all that much more expensive or complicated to obtain the replacement.

 

Also, since I'd most likely also alter it performance wise (surprise, surprise, right?) I'd naturally want the better base to start out with...something already with all the HD componentry.

 

Once again, I can't speak for FoMoCo, but on the GM side, a civilian such as you or myself can't come in and plainly order a NEW 9C1 package Caprice or a B4C Camaro.  Those are strictly for police/municipal customers.

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