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Would you buy or have bought a former police vehicle

SuperSierra

By SuperSierra
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SuperSierra Enthusiast

SuperSierra

Posted
Posted

So I was just browsing the web and found a dealership selling former police tahoes with low mileage for a low cost.

 

He has multiple ones to choose from and will allow your mechanic to look it over before purchasing.

 

Is it a dumb buy, or a great deal?

daa97a98271dfab733c734fba212be21.jpg

 

 

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SouthernSilveradoGuy85 Senior Enthusiast

SouthernSilveradoGuy85

Posted
Posted

The way they're driven, even an SUV, I wouldn't. Think about it, low miles AND low cost, doesn't sound good. Even general maintenance done on time I see parts going bad sooner than normal.

SuperSierra Enthusiast

SuperSierra

Posted
  • Author
Posted

That's a good point they only upgrade so many things on a police vehicle and they probably sell it when something not worth their time goes wrong.

 

It's a 2011, 93000 miles, $12,000 usd + tax with a 2 year warranty for an additional fee.

 

Wouldn't really be a daily drive, more of a vehicle just to say I have and drive around town.

 

 

I don't want to have to replace the transmission or something big like that.

 

I just think it be cool to have a vehicle that can run on propane lol

 

 

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The Zip Senior Enthusiast

The Zip

Posted
Posted

Police vehicles are driven 24/7 based on the size of the Department. I’ve been in my share of cruisers (in the front) and I’ve seen upwards of over 200k. At 93k miles for a 2011 is a little bit more than a non-police cruiser would have, so not excessive miles for a 2011. Every now and again you get on it, but no different than you or would not do, these vehicles cruise a lot (alleys, neighborhoods, storefronts, etc). Most are driven long vs hard, after all, without a vehicle response times won’t cut it. With the capacity to be driven 24/7, interior things that are not that durable tend to go out a lot quicker (seats, knobs, buttons) followed by brakes and tires. Metal components do much better with sooner than later regular maintenance. Who’s selling, dealer or corner lot? Most vehicles on a corner lot are dealership rejects that weren’t worth the credibility to keep, something major is probably going to break in the short term. Just some perspective..

 

Avinad Enthusiast

Avinad

Posted
Posted

They're serviced very well and always kept up to date on all services and required maintenance so that's good. The bad news is they are usually driven hard and beat on constantly. I would know ;)

 

 

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Boardmember Senior Enthusiast

Boardmember

Posted
Posted

In local jurisdictions, 93k miles is not an automatic trigger to sell. Maybe 6 years? If the truck's in good shape, the agency would still be driving it. From patrol, to an entry level officer, to the public affairs officer, to an hourly guy/girl in public works.

 

I vote no.

SuperSierra Enthusiast

SuperSierra

Posted
  • Author
Posted

Gm lost the contract to the police department in this area, so it's all new fords now.

 

And looking at the mixed reviews at this dealership it doesn't look like they are the best to buy from.

 

So I don't think I'm going to waste my time.

 

 

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Dnt Senior Enthusiast

Dnt

Posted
Posted

I would personally pass at the 12k price. It is very hard on a vehicle to treat it like a taxi the way police departments use them, it sucks the life out of it. At 100k this machine used in police service should be considered at 200k run the numbers for double mileage and at "Fair" condition and see where the value comes out. I would guess around $6,000.00 about 1/2 what they are asking LOL

Waaazooo Senior Enthusiast

Waaazooo

Posted
Posted

So I was just browsing the web and found a dealership selling former police tahoes with low mileage for a low cost.

 

He has multiple ones to choose from and will allow your mechanic to look it over before purchasing.

 

Is it a dumb buy, or a great deal?

daa97a98271dfab733c734fba212be21.jpg

 

 

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I think they are good buys, usually just have very utilitarian options, weird dome light, vinyl seat... good friend has a ford expedition police edition which has been awesome.

 

 

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SuperSierra Enthusiast

SuperSierra

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I would personally pass at the 12k price. It is very hard on a vehicle to treat it like a taxi the way police departments use them, it sucks the life out of it. At 100k this machine used in police service should be considered at 200k run the numbers for double mileage and at "Fair" condition and see where the value comes out. I would guess around $6,000.00 about 1/2 what they are asking LOL

About $8000 usd but I see your point

 

 

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SkiDooNick700 Enthusiast

SkiDooNick700

Posted
Posted

My dad bought an 07 Charger ex cop car a few years back for my brother to use. It had around 90k miles on it. Theyve put in around $1500 to $2000 into it since then. Interior definitely shows wear and tear more so than youd expect. Engine has been solid. Had a driveshaft and u joint issue, there was a horrible vibration that started to form. AC condensor needed replacenent. Battling a Check Engine Light entire ownership period.

 

Overall the car has been dependable, in the aspect its never stranded him anywhere.

 

I would pass tho imo.

SuperSierra Enthusiast

SuperSierra

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I found $13,500 for a 2008 Tahoe with 90,000 miles with

• Power Mirrors

• Power Windows

• Air Conditioning

• Cruise Control

• Keyless Entry

• Power Steering

• CD Player

• Anti-Lock Brakes

• Driver Air Bag

• Fog Lights

• Passenger Air Bag

• Security System

• Traction Control

• Heated Mirrors

• Rear Window Defrost

• Tilt Steering Wheel

• AM/FM Radio

• Bucket Seats

• Power Door Locks

• Power Passenger Seat

• 4-Wheel Disc Brakes

• Luggage Rack

• Trip Computer

• Stability Control

• MP3 Player

• aluminum wheels

• TOW HOOKS

• Leather Steering Wheel

• STEERING WHEEL AUDIO CONTROLS

• Automatic Headlights

• Tire Pressure Monitor

• Privacy Glass

• TOW HITCH

• Pass-Through Rear Seat

• Driver Vanity Mirror

• Passenger Vanity Mirror

• Front Reading Lamps

• Power Driver Seat

• Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror

• Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror

• Child Safety Locks

• Auxiliary Audio Input

• Rear Head Air Bag

• Rear Seat Audio Controls

• Remote Engine Start

• Woodgrain Interior Trim

• Telematics

• Navigation from Telematics

• Engine Immobilizer

• Power Outlet

• Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

• Front Head Air Bag

• Driver Adjustable Lumbar

• Passenger Adjustable Lumbar

• Running Boards/Side Steps

• Passenger Air Bag Sensor

• Conventional Spare Tire

• Locking/Limited Slip Differential

 

And a free year warranty.

 

So is the more money worth the 3 year difference and not being a police vehicle?362f9a1b0171d8cad2151c3f3a061abf.png

 

 

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SouthernSilveradoGuy85 Senior Enthusiast

SouthernSilveradoGuy85

Posted
Posted

I wouldn't mind paying a tad bit more money for an older vehicle since it has a little less miles. Since you basically do 12K miles per year is "average" 90K on an '08 is a lot better than 93K on an '11 especially being the same body style. Again even with regular maintenance done when needed they're still driven hard so you'll still have certain parts go before they normally would. Trust me, I drove my '98 Z71 hard as hell both on and off-road and had a lot of big problems with it because of it. I like to compare it to as if you gave a 16 year old a V8 Camaro or Mustang. I'm 32 and I don't know if I could even trust myself with a V8 Camaro now since all I've ever owned were full size Chevy trucks. I think I would revert back to my 16-20 years. Luckily I got my class A CDL at 20 so it made me respect driving so I started to calm down, not all at once.

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