hi,
Can anyone tell me if buying an ex police car is good value for money, or they all thrashed and abused.
I was not thinking of the usual squad cars you see everyday on the high street, but more the volvo size cars.
I would like to think they are regularly serviced, but might also be regularly abused!
has anyone bought one in the past? What was your experience?
Many thanks
Edited by Pugugly on 16/03/2009 at 15:28
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I would imagine that these days they cut back on maintenance (suspension etc...) when they know they are due to get rid.
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Like most other cars - some will be good, and some will be dogs. West Oxfordshire Motor Auctions in Witney used to be a good place to go for ex police kit.
They can be cheap, but typically will have holes in the dash where radio gear etc has been removed, and will sometimes be missing stereos, switchgear and other equipment.
They can also be very basic spec-wise. I believe the idea that police cars are "chipped" is an urban myth, but they do tend to go well because they're very well serviced and maintained, as well as being in use almost constantly so comparatively few cold starts and short runs.
The advice I've always read says they can be a good buy if you get them cheap.
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I'll bet the wings and door skins will never be more than a couple of months old if the number of PVA's in my area is anything to go buy. In fact, you'll be hard pressed to find one with dry paint !!
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I drive Volvo's and BMW's on the motorway (where they suffer less stress than RPU cars) and I certainly wouldn't buy one. Despite the myths, they are not given any secret engine mods. Servicing is as per the manufacturers recommendations. The majority of our fleet have had body repairs (due to TPAC, not because of crashing) and are pretty knackered by the time they go to auction.
The Volvos we've got have been very unreliable. Turbos could be made of tissue paper they break so often. My advice would be to avoid them, but you could get lucky and pick up the odd reasonable one.
Edit: Predictable comment from the tinfoil headed one!
Edited by midlifecrisis on 16/03/2009 at 14:25
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I saw an ex-police Triumph 2.5 pi at BCA in the seventies. The rear suspension was knackered - the back was only about 3" off the floor.
When the auction started, the auctioneer said "Next up today, Gents, this lovely example blah blah etc......and the mileage is guaranteed."
"What do you mean?" someone shouted, "It has done 125,000!"
He replied "Erm, I said it was guaranteed, not that it was low mileage."
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Have never bought one myself but know someone who has, going back quite a few years though!
The vehicle in question was a sierra cosworth in excellent condition apart from stitching in the roof where lights had been, dash had been replaced I think. The guy bought it but dealer did advise getting a private plate or he warned "you'll never be able to drive in Dundee, the car will easily be recognised!"
The guy did change plate and had fun!
Up in NE Scotland where I am the local police are slowly moving away from Vauxhall to Ford models apart from the road police who are now proud owners of at least 1 BMW 5 series along with their Omega stalwarts. Not quite Evo 10 Police Interceptor cars but a huge change in quality.
Would I buy when they upgrade? Defo not I've seen them in action!
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I decided it wasn't for me, but they probably make a better buy than something that dson't have any history.
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Don't touch one. All abused. Trust me, they're a tool for a job. Thrashed from cold and frequently hammered. I bet that anyone that trades them gets for nothing a tries to make them look good, but if it walks like a duck...
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Yep there is one in Stockport, all the cars are nicely polished, all new tyres etc they do look like a stunning car for a very cheap price but I mentioned this to a polcie customer of mine and he said to avoid them like the plague like most people on here did.
I am sure there are some good bargains to be had but I think you have to buy directly at a police auction, save a fortune and be able to fit a new engine or gearbox if they should need one at a later date.
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I think it was Pistonheads were I recently saw an advert for an ex Merseyside MK2 RS2000 which had been restored. It was mint.
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I ummed and ahhd over a CRV 2 that the local cops were selling - cheap. It had one driver and a known history.
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Surely had many drivers unless it was a car for an inspector or something? If it was a one driver car then it was probably a good car.
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It was a one-driver car - he shoots with me and I know him, he tipped me off when it went. He said he'd buy it himself but preferred his Defender for some sheep related gynaecology he indulges in.
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Defender for some sheep related gynaecology he indulges in.
I knew it I just knew the nickname for welshman was justified.
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I ummed and ahhd over a CRV 2 that the local cops were selling - cheap. It had one driver and a known history.
I ummed and ahhd over a 2cv that the local cops were selling cheap too.
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I bought an ex-police BMW R100 at auction once long long ago.
It was ridiculously cheap as it had huge holes in the plastics where light and horns had just been ripped out.
Basically an excellent bike but I only bought it because:
1. my ex-brother in law was an automotive electrician and sorted out all the bodges the police had made to the wiring looms.
2. I was prepared to drive around a bike with huge holes in it whilst scouring MCN every week for second hand replacement panels
so yes bargains can be had but you really need to know your stuff.
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I heard that ex-military cars are just as cheap but not battered. If you go slightly upmarket you can get an officer's car. BCA in Manchester have them every week.
I was going to get one but guess what - I spent all the money I saved up on other luxuries, like food, shoes etc
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I had one, never again...
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What happens to the retired chauffeur driven cars used by our political masters, (sorry servants). Is there a closed shop disposal system?
Edited by Old Navy on 17/03/2009 at 11:02
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A colleague bought Sir Ian Blair's X-Type Jag on eBay.
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His or taxpayer supplied?
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His or taxpayer supplied?
No idea, I will ask who it was registered to if I remember.
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What happens to the retired chauffeur driven cars used by our political masters >>
Most I guess are effectively fleet cars these days. In any case I wouldn't assume they are in great condition - hundreds of very short trips indeed.
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A few miles from where I live; I have never visited as I am not looking for a change of vehicle.
www.mod-sales.com/
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Good link, AS, but a bit industrial / military, I was thinking more of cars from this outfit.
tinyurl.com/cs7ryv
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ON - I agree.The people on my link usually have Mondeos Vectras etc. Your link seems to be to people who supply transport services but don't sell the vehicles on, or have I missed something?
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No not missed anything, I just wondered where they disposed of their cast offs, I doubt if the MOD dispose of them, so possibly specialist or standard auctions. Whatever they should be well maintained and consideratly driven, not hammered like police cars.
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From personal experience my advice would be to keep well clear,as per the other comments the myth that these vehicles are chipped and money is no object is rubbish,i've spent lots of time in T5's and every one of them has been overworked from brand new,it's your money though........
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www.mod-sales.com/
Look here. Ex MOD cars n stuff. In fact everything for big kids to play with. Wheeeee!
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