When police vehicles reach the end of the road after serving law enforcement officials well for years, those cars, trucks, and SUVs might make their way to used car dealerships near you.
You can be sure that police fleet vehicles have a hard life. Officers use them to patrol the streets and highways, pursue suspects who don’t wish to be handcuffed and taken to jail, and race to crime scenes to handle business.
Is It Worth Buying a Used Police Vehicle?
Some police vehicles, even unmarked ones, look like police vehicles. If you buy one and hit the open road, slow pokes will move over — thinking you’re a cop in plain clothes. Ownership has its perks. But besides the extra respect other drivers will give you, why consider a used police car?
Here are 14 reasons a retired police vehicle can make a great used car.
Heavy-Duty Construction
First things first. Police cars are built tough. Considering the demands of the job, these vehicles feature heavy-duty construction. Featuring reinforced frames and beefier components, police vehicles are built to last. So, if you find one in good condition for sale, it’s worth considering.
High-Performance Engines
When it comes to police cars, high-performance engines are found under the hoods. Law enforcement officers need vehicles that can scoot for high-speed pursuits and emergency responses.
That’s one reason automakers that build fleet vehicles for police departments equip them with powerful engines you won’t typically find on models intended for civilians. So, snagging a retired police vehicle means getting more oomph under the hood.
Upgraded Braking Systems
Police cars are also equipped with upgraded braking systems. So, if you purchase a retired police vehicle, it’ll have heavy-duty brakes that offer superior stopping power.
Tough Suspensions
You can also expect to find better suspension systems on police vehicles. Again, it’s a matter of giving law enforcement officials the cars, SUVs, and trucks they need to administer law and order on the roads.
Reinforced Safety Features
You can expect to find reinforced safety features like better crash protection components and durable materials to keep police officers safe as they administer their duties. When these vehicles are retired from active duty, these types of benefits can be yours.
Meticulous Maintenance History
While you should never skip a pre-purchase inspection before signing on the dotted line, police vehicles tend to be maintained regularly to ensure officers have reliable cars to use.
So, while these vehicles are driven hard day in and day out, you can bet proper upkeep wasn’t an afterthought. Whether or not you can get the service records for one is a question for another day, however.
Conversation Starter
Owning a former police vehicle can be a great conversation starter. You can bet that people you meet around town will have questions about what it’s like to drive one. They’ll be interested in the differences between the police variation and the civilian version.
Distinct Look
Another benefit of buying a retired police cruiser is the distinct look. You don’t have to spend big
bucks to get something that turns heads.
Something as simple as a roomy, comfortable, and reliable Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor commands attention. You can still see them being driven today, and parts are readily available, too.
Long Service Life Remaining
Since police vehicles are usually maintained regularly, they have some longevity after they’re retired from active duty. If you’re a civilian looking for a great deal on a used vehicle, it pays to consider police cars, trucks, and SUVs up for sale. You won’t have to worry about them failing you soon after buying it and driving it home. That’s what happens when vehicles are built to last and maintained to the highest standards.
Great for Small Businesses
If you operate a small business and want a cheap used vehicle that can hold a lot of stuff, a retired police vehicle could fit the bill. You’ll get ample storage capacity for your stuff when you buy a used police car.
Enhanced Acceleration
Do you want a car with fast acceleration? That’s another area where police vehicles excel. They’re specifically tuned for quick acceleration — something useful for high-speed pursuits and responding to emergencies.
When using this acceleration boost as a civilian, you’ll find merging onto the highway or passing other vehicles a breeze.
Enhanced Cooling Systems
Another benefit you’ll get with a retired police car over a civilian car is a better cooling system. The former comes with upgraded radiators and cooling systems. Police cars spend a lot of time idling, which is typically not good for vehicles. But the aforementioned upgrades mean police vehicles can accommodate long idling periods.
Upgraded Electrical Systems
You can also expect to find upgraded electrical systems in police vehicles. Remember that these SUVs, cars, and trucks were made to power various accessories such as lights and radios. And that upgrade will be passed on to you should you pick up a retired police car.
Sturdy Interiors
You won’t find plush, high-end interior materials in these cars. Police cars serve a specific function. So, you’ll find vinyl or some other easy-to-clean materials that make keeping such vehicles easy-peasy.
It’s Worth Considering a Retired Police Vehicle
For these and other reasons, it’s worth considering a retired police vehicle. You can get them for a good price and enjoy a superior car compared to civilian-grade models. Plus, they are great conversation starters. What’s not to love!
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