Hidden Gems: The Best Police Vehicles You Can Score at Auction

Police auctions are public or private sales of government vehicles, often conducted by municipalities or auction companies. But are these auctions worth checking out? Yes, and here’s why:

• Police vehicles are well-maintained and offer high performance at lower prices.
• Vehicles from the government fleet receive regular and professional maintenance (they follow strict maintenance schedules and are inspected every 3,000-5,000 miles).
• The most important thing is that these cars are not retired due to mechanical failures or anything like that.

These vehicles are usually sold due to age or departmental upgrades. (By the way, when we talk about "retired vehicles," we refer to cars that have officially been taken out of active service. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of buying one of these vehicles. You will get to know the best models that are often found at police auctions, and receive tips for inspecting and purchasing one of these cars.

Why police vehicles are great auction finds

These vehicles are built for durability and performance. This is because many are equipped with something known as "police packages." These are factory upgrades for use by law enforcement. For example, the Ford Police Interceptor Utility has a more robust cooling system and an enhanced generator. Other cars have reinforced frames, improved suspensions, and heavy-duty brakes.

Another advantage is that police vehicles are often cheaper. Many can cost 30-50% less than comparable civilian models with the same mileage. In fact, the median price at auctions is around $4,000-8,000, depending on the model year and condition.

The best part is that government fleets follow strict maintenance protocols. This means that the cars come with a detailed and consistent maintenance history. This makes it easier to track mileage and repairs. In fact, these protocols are often much more transparent than what you get from private sellers.

Potential drawbacks of buying police vehicles at auctions

Police vehicles often idle for long periods, such as during traffic stops. An hour of idling can mean about 30 miles of engine wear. Your typical retired police car has 90,000-150,000 miles on the odometer. Add in this idling time, and you are dealing with significant mileage.

These cars are also equipped with items such as sirens, radios, lights, and cages. This equipment is removed for sale, leaving holes where they were mounted. This means that the car will need a cosmetic restoration before you can sell it. Also, understand that these cars are sold "as is" and do not come with warranties or guarantees. Be aware of this and inspect the car before bidding.

The best police vehicles you can buy at auctions

What should you buy at police auctions? Try the following vehicles if you are looking for reliability, affordability, and easy resale.

Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor

Produced from 1992-2011, this car is a certified classic. It comes with rear-wheel drive and a frame construction, making repairs easier. The 4.6-liter V8 engine is also known for its reliability and simplicity. Additionally, there is a widespread and large parts network. Keep in mind that this model was discontinued in 2011, which means most of these cars have high mileage. So, if you buy a Crown Vic, make sure to check the frame for rust and worn suspension components.

Ford Police Interceptor Utility

This model first appeared in 2013 and is based on the Ford Explorer. It is an all-wheel-drive vehicle, making it perfect for hazardous conditions. This model also has more cargo space than sedans, which is important if you have a large family. Pay attention to the cooling system, which can overheat if not well maintained. Also, make sure to inspect the transmission. This can show wear in cars with high idle time.

Chevrolet Tahoe PPV

PPV stands for Police Pursuit Vehicle. This model has been produced since the early 2000s and features a strong V8 engine as well as rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. This provides the owner with robust towing capacity, which is good if you are a driver in rural or off-road areas. That said, it has lower fuel efficiency than the other cars on this list (the Chevy Tahoe gets about 15-17 mpg). Finally, don’t forget that these cars are often used in police chases. This means they may have been driven hard in rural or high-speed patrol areas.

Dodge Charger Pursuit

This vehicle first appeared in 2006 and is still in production today. The Charger is known for its sportier handling and powerful V6 or HEMI V8 engine. It comes with rear-wheel drive, giving the vehicle a classic muscle car feel. The Pursuit is also a great candidate if you are interested in vehicle modifications. That said, these vehicles are known for their rough transmission, so make sure to take a look at the transmission. Also, check for wear on the back seats from detainees or K9 units.

Chevrolet Impala Police Edition

Produced from 2000 to 2016, this car comes with front-wheel drive, a lower profile, and is known for being less conspicuous than other police vehicles. It is also one of the most affordable cars on our list, and you can often find them for less than $5,000. However, there is a trade-off, and these cars are nowhere near as durable as the Crown Vic or Tahoe. The cargo space is also limited, and Chevrolet Impalas have a much lower resale value.

How to find and buy police vehicles at auctions

Online platforms are the best place to find these vehicles. Check websites such as:

• GovDeals.com
• Municibid.com
• PropertyRoom.com
• CapitalCityAutoAuction.com

You can also participate in local police auction events. Check your city or municipality's website for event information.

If you participate in an auction, it’s important to understand the process. Here are some terms that will help you orient yourself:

• Reserve Price: the minimum bid required for sale
• Inspection Time: time for the auction to view and inspect vehicles
• As Is, Where Is: means the car is sold in its current condition, with no delivery or returns

Also, read up on basic bidding strategies. You should set a fixed budget based on the retail price of the car minus necessary repairs. Another thing to avoid is bidding wars. Understand that police cars are abundant and similar, so there’s no need to do this.

If you find something you like, make sure to conduct a pre-purchase inspection. Remember that auction cars are sold "as is," which makes this very important. You should look for oil leaks, fluid levels, worn tires, and signs of frame damage. It’s also a good idea to start the engine cold, if possible, and listen for lifter noises or smoke. Also, check the vehicle identification number (VIN) for histories.

Tips for owning or reselling former police vehicles

Insuring police vehicles can bring extra complications. This is because some insurers classify them as "fleet" or "commercial" vehicles. This can affect insurance premiums, so be prepared to provide documentation showing that the car is now intended for private use.

Also, don’t forget that police cars have equipment that is removed for sale. This includes items like backseat partitions, sirens, etc. Removing these leaves holes and marks. You will need to do something to address this if you want to sell the car.

Police cars may also have mismatched body parts, i.e., one part is black, the next is white. This means you may need to repaint the car before you can sell it. That said, it’s worth it. Some vehicles, like the Tahoe and the Interceptor Utility, can often be resold at a profit margin of 10-20%.

Conclusion

Police vehicles offer unparalleled value if you understand what you are buying. For budget-conscious individuals (or resellers looking for undervalued cars), they are often hidden gems. With careful research, pre-purchase inspection, and the right model, you can acquire a solid, reliable vehicle with strong resale value.