What makes an ex-police car such a good deal?

Can you please explain why various police forces have to purchase Mercedes-Benz and BMW cars when a Ford Mondeo Estate will do (almost) exactly the same job? They cost much less to purchase and far less to service. OK, depreciation might be an issue, but who on earth would buy a clapped out 100,000-mile ex-police car?

Asked on 5 March 2011 by MG, Tockington, Glos

Answered by Honest John
They actually sell very well. Police transport managers look at the overall deal: how well the car can cope with carrying heavy weights at high speeds over a high mileage, coupled with purchase price and what the car will make at auction on disposal. Not just a simple sum. And they are usually disposed of at 150,000 miles or more, just before experience tells the police fleet manager they are likely to become unreliable. They then fetch quite high prices at auction. They are often now bought in a saleable colour and spec, because they are 'wrapped' in vinyl police livery, which protects the paint. Pay a visit to www.woma.co.uk at Witney, Oxon if in any doubt. You’re not too far away.
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