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Well driven???Whilst working for a major manufacturer,I was involved with the local police running a fleet of our cars-not pursuit-just general duties.All too frequently,when I tried to get hold of one of these cars for a check,I was told it's having it's suspension repaired,body damage fixed etc.Also,driving an ex-police "plain clothes" car,no external marks,I was regularly flashed or waved at as tho' it was still one of theirs.
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Police forces are under considerable financial pressure these days. They don't get shot of the cars until they really have to.....
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Stay well away unless you can find an ex staff car. Ours are BMWs at the moment. They may well be lease vehicles though. They have very subtle lighting mods and a discreet radio fit. Only time they see operational use is for VIP visits.
Think the light and radio fits are perhaps some kind of company car tax avoidance but not certain.
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Fullchat
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That's what I've got.
My Omega was bought 3 years ago - it's 10th birthday this month - covered 117k. Now on 141k.
It's 2.5 CDX estate. Has just about EVERY extra, except leather, I wouldn't have bought it if it had, cost £1600ish.
Their were no blues n 2's fitted or removed & only a couple of holes in the dash, from a fone cradle.
A couple of annoying fag burns under the mats, otherwise spotless interior.
Similarly outside, all original paint, stonechips & a small NS door crease & couple scratches. Otherwise the Magic Grey paintwork looks very good. there are a couple of rust areas appearing by the rear door window rubbers, but that's all.
Had a newish set of Michelin Primacys on, which I've now replaced 2 & will be doing again soon.
Full service & belts, when I got it.
Since then, 5k Vauxhall semi synthtic oil changes, an alternator, rear exhaust & pads.
There is a weep on the pas pump & also rocker cover gasket, both being sorted this week.
Returns late 20's mpg & drives like a much newer car. Certainly NOT a 10 year old banger.
Probably make £1000 or more on ebay, so value for £$£$ it certainly is/was!
Mine didn't come from www.woma.co.uk but they have regular sales.
Avoid silver or white & you might be alright!
VB
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Pros and cons of buying an ex-Police car discussed here before:
www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t=39337&...e
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Would you buy an ex-taxi where drunk people have been carried, puked on the back seat, sometimes even done something unpleasant on the floor, driven hard - often to max revs and to the limits of he vehicles capabilities, and by any one of many drivers? No. So why buy an ex cop car - it's just basically a taxi that's probably not been as well looked after.
Certainly the way I see out local pandas treated, even white van man has more respect for the vehicle.
(Strange how many police cars you see with defective lights - saw one the other day with a nail actually sticking out of the sidewall of the front tyre - and it was still like that 2 days later!)
Edited a swear- filtered word
Edited by Pugugly {P} on 22/11/2007 at 17:47
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Having seen the way plod treat them, I would never touch one no matter how cheap.
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A mate of mine has a ex police Volvo T5 (white).
Very quick car but even faster through traffic - almost Biblical in the way it parts traffic he reckons even without the blues and twos!
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Saw an Essex Police traffic car a couple of years ago, an estate Volvo, I think.
In the rear window was a sticker which said something like
" This vehicle is fully air conditioned for the benefit of the animals carried herein"!
I wondered at the time what animals they were referring to?
8< SNIP!
Edited by Dynamic Dave on 22/11/2007 at 19:24
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does anybody know where i can go to purchase an ex-police vehicle at auction anywhere near the essex area ???? I am particularly after an ex-police dog unir for my dogs ?
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Phone Essex Police H/Q at Chelmsford!
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Mark and Jimmybluetwos - I wouldn't touch one with the proverbial pole. They're all thrashed from cold and regularly on the limiter. They're a tool for a job, nothing more. They don't need respecting and treating nicely by the drivers, they need to get us from A to B. The notion of careful driving and quality maintenance is piffle. Yes they'll be serviced and parts replaced but so what? A multitude of cared for cars fit these criteria. They're put through the auctions for a reason. One of the other contributors has mentioned the staff cars (or 'car') in most cases - the only exception.
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Actually, police dog vans are worth a punt. They dont get used and abused too much, and are expensively and well kitted out.
Vansboy on here will advise you of where to go, specilaist auctions.
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I bought a V8 P6 once in Zircon blue complete with hole in the roof - absolutely knackered it was, I didn't realise just how bad it was til I bought another P6 in 'cared for' condition.
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Dog vans as bad as any cars in my force. Frequently travelling further to shouts and so abused for longer. Nice smell too....
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And the other side is, i bought an ex driving school Rover 827 manual in bluegrey.
Superbly maintained with full comprehensive printed history, bodywork and interior excellent and gave fine service over the many years i owned it and went rather too well over a certain speed.;)
Still one of the best cars i've owned, the only criticisms being FWD, and that it would eat front discs, had many sets during it's time with plod too, they would overheat when reducing fast from warp speed..warp being the common theme.
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Buy one of the "TOP BRASS" RRover/BMW 7 Series etc
Cared for and will be in good nick - in most cases.
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I wonder if the immunity from speeding convictions is transferrable? ;-)
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There arent any merits over and above initial cheapness which as has been pointed out soon falls into insignificance when everything starts going pear shaped
If these vehicles had an hour guage for hours run rather than miles then im sure a lot of posters would change their attitudes on an old beat up poor spec worn out vehicle
I really cant understand why not buy a proper low mileage van and fit a proper cage in the back?
It must come down to either laziness in that the job has already been done or as i say initial cheapness as nobody else wants a washed out old combo van
Sits back and waits to hear more floss............
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It cost over a grand (yes a grand) to kit out our van for the sporting dogs. Mind that was spray Fibrglass lined, compartmentalised, individual cages, waterproofed for hosing out, and aircooled by fans.
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On the other hand, I also used to look after a fair few copper's own cars, they luved their jamjars and would maintain them regardless of cost, so they *would* be a good buy!
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I still maintain that an ex police car (proper car, not a little astra, etc..) is just like buying a one owner company vehicle. Certainly speaking for myself, revving from cold, 30mph is the change into 2nd point, 50mph is change into 3rd, 70-80mph change into 4th. 30-40mph over speed bumps, so whats the difference???
The main selling point of an ex police vehicle is the colour - white is becoming a rather appealing colour. Wonder what the insignia tourer looks like in white [goes off to see...].
As for the Dog Van question, why not have a look at www.expolicecar.co.uk who have a sideline in dog vans (I know, they're in Halifax, but treat it as a dayout, fantastic scenery, good pubs and a nice meal)
Edited by SuperBuyer on 26/07/2009 at 21:25
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