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When it comes to buying a used car, there is a dizzying variety of options available. However, one unique option that often flies under the radar is a retired police car, also known as a patrol car, police interceptor, or squad car. These vehicles present some intriguing advantages, but also come with a few important caveats you should be aware of before committing to a purchase.
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Pros and cons of buying a retired cop car
Retired police vehicles, such as the Ford Crown Victoria or the Chevrolet Impala, are designed and equipped to handle high-stress situations and extreme conditions. These are not your average vehicles—they often come equipped with heavy-duty features and both factory direct and aftermarket modifications that set them apart from their civilian counterparts.
Under the hood, you’ll find powerful engines, typically V6 or V8s, designed to allow them to keep pace during high-speed chases under extreme conditions. They can accelerate quickly and maintain high speeds more effectively than many standard passenger vehicles. The suspensions are built tough, designed to take on rough roads and remain stable under high-speed conditions. Upgraded electrical systems are present to support auxiliary police equipment, like sirens and lights, while the cooling systems are enhanced to prevent overheating during long hours of operation. The brakes are also heavy-duty, providing the stopping power needed during sudden stops or high-speed pursuits.
One of the significant advantages of retired police cars is the regular maintenance they receive during their service. Police vehicles face the dual stresses of prolonged, extended use and duress under extreme conditions, and law enforcement agencies thus maintain rigorous service schedules, to ensure their vehicles don’t fail in critical or emergency situations. This meticulous care can be beneficial for the vehicle’s longevity. A vehicle history report is a valuable way to try and confirm this maintenance history and to get a better understanding of a police vehicle’s past, including any major accidents and repairs.
The value proposition of a used cop car
Value is another substantial advantage of retired police cars. Despite the heavy-duty specifications and performance capabilities, these vehicles usually sell for less than similar civilian cars. A quick comparison of a retired police car’s Market Value versus comparable models may reveal a striking difference in price points. This value proposition can be a compelling factor if you’re seeking performance and durability on a budget.
Bear in mind that the upgrades to a police vehicle represent a double edged sword. On the one hand, these vehicles are designed to be more rugged and durable than their road car counterparts. On the other, they also typically endure much more abuse and wear than a standard civilian vehicle.
Understanding a police vehicle’s history
Retired police cars have led a rigorous life before reaching your driveway. High-speed pursuits, accidents, long idle times, constant driving in stop-and-go traffic, extreme cold and heat, and severe operational conditions can contribute to wear and tear that may not be immediately visible. Police vehicles are thus often older in terms of wear and usage than their year or even mileage may indicate. It’s essential to dig deep into the car’s history and understand the stresses it may have endured.
Our Car Research Tool and VIN Lookup can be instrumental in uncovering this vital information, and our recall check can fill in some of the gaps on how well a used police car was cared for. They’ll let you not only get a detailed look at the history of a vehicle, but also allow you to quickly compare the car in question to other police and civilian vehicles to find the best possible deal.
Retired police vehicle resale factors
When it comes to reselling a retired police car, the path can be a bit challenging. These vehicles often have high mileage and retain visible police identifiers, in addition to the possibility of excessive wear and eccentricities due to their unique purpose (make sure you can open the rear doors on a retired police vehicle from the outside, for example).
While some collectors may value the association with law enforcement, these indicators may limit their appeal in the broader market. There are plenty of used police interceptors and cop cars in our marketplace, and if you’re trying to sell your you can list it there too!
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Retired police cars offer a unique blend of performance, durability, and value. However, they also come with a number of important caveats, like additional wear, higher mileage, and certain undesirable features like hard plastic rear seats, nonfunctional rear door handles, and even holes in the car’s roof and trunk lid from installed lights and communications antenna.
A careful and thorough investigation into their history, condition, and potential resale value is crucial to making a well-informed buying decision. Take advantage of our suite of tools to thoroughly research your purchase before you commit, and never hesitate to ask questions when you’re at an auction or buying a retired police vehicle from a private seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vehicle models are used as police cars?
The Big Three (Ford, GM, Chrysler/Stellantis) have historically cornered the market for police vehicle production in the U.S. These models have gained popularity for their durability, reliability, and performance in police service, and typically come loaded with heavier duty electronics, suspension, and police-specific hardware directly from the factory.
The Ford Crown Victoria, known for its body-on-frame construction and spacious interior, used to be a common sight in its Police Interceptor trim before being discontinued in 2011. In recent years, the following models of police-variant vehicles have become available on the used car market:
- Ford Police Interceptor Sedan and Police Interceptor Utility (based on the Ford Taurus and Explorer)
- Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle
- Chevrolet Impala 9C1
- Chevrolet Caprice Police Pursuit Vehicle
- Dodge Charger Pursuit
- Ford F-150 Police Responder
Additionally, many departments have been known to use muscle cars like the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro, and Dodge Challenger in law enforcement capacities on the highway where a higher top speed and quicker acceleration is needed. Law enforcement agencies, like all government agencies, are constantly struggling against budgetary concerns, and so police vehicles tend to strike a balance between performance and reliability (meaning, in turn, lower maintenance costs).
Are police cars faster than regular cars?
Yes, police cars are typically faster than their civilian equivalents due to their upgraded engines and heavy duty mechanical systems. These upgrades allow police vehicles to handle high-speed chases and abrupt stops not only with better overall performance, but also repeatedly under strenuous driving conditions.
While most police vehicles feature the same base engines as their civilian counterparts, those engines are often specifically tuned for greater performance by the manufacturer. These improvements are also often supported by superior cooling systems, improved alternators, and upgraded brakes and suspension components.
Are retired police cars reliable?
Given their heavy-duty design and regular maintenance, retired police cars can be remarkably reliable. However, their reliability will heavily depend on their service history and the way they were used. It’s vital to run a vehicle history report and conduct a thorough mechanical inspection before purchasing one.
These cars often endure heavy usages across back-to-back shifts, and since the cars themselves are rarely left in the care of the personnel they’re assigned to, they’re frequently abused and driven under conditions that the average driver would never subject their personal vehicle to. Issues can arise far down the road as a result, which is why many law enforcement agencies preemptively retire their vehicles after a set mileage interval or age, especially as funding for new and improved models is approved.
Can civilians buy retired police cars?
Absolutely, regular people can purchase retired police cars. Once these vehicles retire from law enforcement service, they’re often sold at auctions, by private parties, or through used car dealerships, but you can find many examples in our growing vehicle marketplace. Because the impetus is usually to move the vehicles quickly rather than command the absolute peak market value possible, retired police vehicles can often be had for very competitive prices at auction or second hand.
Is it hard to resell a retired police car?
It can be more challenging to resell a retired police car compared to a standard used vehicle due to their unique history and potential high mileage. However, there is a niche market of buyers who value the unique features and history of these vehicles, making resale possible. A good way to ensure maximum resale value is to continue to regularly service and maintain the vehicle and, importantly, to thoroughly document that maintenance as proof that car was appropriately cared for after it left service.
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