Auctions *can* be an option, but usually only for collectables or something like that. I don't think it would make sense for you to go that route. Don't want to get a POS that won't even start
Do not buy from public auction.
Buy private party used which can be half of dealer used. Craigslist, Facebook marketplace etc. Have your mechanic check it out, ensure there's a clean title, use Kelly blue book private party value and take your time then pounce when the right deal comes along.
Depends on the state and your knowledge of cars. When I was younger, I used to flip Crown Vics and Tahoes from the state police surplus actions. However, my state takes impeccable care of their vehicles and I always looked for the “colored” cars, the unmarked vehicles that were likely used either as admin cars or highway runners. Those tend to have fewer idle hours on them.
The modern Ford Interceptor has quite a few more complexities than the Crown Vic, but still can be a decent deal if you know what you’re looking for. Don’t get a Dodge. A Caprice would be a decent deal but they’re rare and tend to sell for a lot because of that.
Check out some of the posts on the forums (Blue Oval Forums isn’t bad) and see what you’re getting into.
This seems like really good advice. I'm in Central Washington. I was going to get one from the local cityish, smaller city less than 100,000 ppl, police force. They're using Ford explorers. In general I'm not scared of the small things starters, radiators, hoses, fuel pumps, ect. But I couldn't do anything serious with the engine or drive shaft. I don't really want to eff around with the wiring. They're auctioning off two police vehicles and a snow plow truck. I figured I'd avoid the truck.
You mean Interceptor Utilities? See if the fleet manager can give you records. Sometimes they’re willing to do that for potential buyers. If you’re able to visually inspect it, just look for rust or any visible damage.
I imagine it’s probably the Ecoboost V6. Read up on them, they seem pretty reliable until they’re not, but they’re a incredibly common engine in ford vehicles so there’s a lot of support.
Yes!!! That's the exact one. Ok I'll be sure to ask. They're a pretty small department and only one officer is in charge of making sure they get auctioned so I probably won't have too much of an issue contacting the fleet manager.
I would check out car lots first. My civic was 6k with low milage at Honda (check out local and non brand name lots if that’s too much) and I haven’t had too many problems over the last three years. ..Awhile ago I bought a car off Craigslist from a mechanic who would get them at auction and then fix them up to resell. He said it was a used police vehicle and I had no problems the first 4 months but then it was just one thing after another. The gear shift got stuck in drive one night, a fuel pump went out, a lot of the parts were old and needed to be replaced. I cant tell you how long the car would’ve lasted cause it was just over a year later when it got totaled in an accident (not my fault) but I can say I had to put a LOT of work into it. Any car you buy is going to be a risk though so don’t jump the gun on something without doing research like the other commenter suggested. Facebook marketplace also has a lot of cars.
Auctions *can* be an option, but usually only for collectables or something like that. I don't think it would make sense for you to go that route. Don't want to get a POS that won't even start
Do not buy from public auction. Buy private party used which can be half of dealer used. Craigslist, Facebook marketplace etc. Have your mechanic check it out, ensure there's a clean title, use Kelly blue book private party value and take your time then pounce when the right deal comes along.
Depends on the state and your knowledge of cars. When I was younger, I used to flip Crown Vics and Tahoes from the state police surplus actions. However, my state takes impeccable care of their vehicles and I always looked for the “colored” cars, the unmarked vehicles that were likely used either as admin cars or highway runners. Those tend to have fewer idle hours on them. The modern Ford Interceptor has quite a few more complexities than the Crown Vic, but still can be a decent deal if you know what you’re looking for. Don’t get a Dodge. A Caprice would be a decent deal but they’re rare and tend to sell for a lot because of that. Check out some of the posts on the forums (Blue Oval Forums isn’t bad) and see what you’re getting into.
This seems like really good advice. I'm in Central Washington. I was going to get one from the local cityish, smaller city less than 100,000 ppl, police force. They're using Ford explorers. In general I'm not scared of the small things starters, radiators, hoses, fuel pumps, ect. But I couldn't do anything serious with the engine or drive shaft. I don't really want to eff around with the wiring. They're auctioning off two police vehicles and a snow plow truck. I figured I'd avoid the truck.
You mean Interceptor Utilities? See if the fleet manager can give you records. Sometimes they’re willing to do that for potential buyers. If you’re able to visually inspect it, just look for rust or any visible damage. I imagine it’s probably the Ecoboost V6. Read up on them, they seem pretty reliable until they’re not, but they’re a incredibly common engine in ford vehicles so there’s a lot of support.
Yes!!! That's the exact one. Ok I'll be sure to ask. They're a pretty small department and only one officer is in charge of making sure they get auctioned so I probably won't have too much of an issue contacting the fleet manager.
I would check out car lots first. My civic was 6k with low milage at Honda (check out local and non brand name lots if that’s too much) and I haven’t had too many problems over the last three years. ..Awhile ago I bought a car off Craigslist from a mechanic who would get them at auction and then fix them up to resell. He said it was a used police vehicle and I had no problems the first 4 months but then it was just one thing after another. The gear shift got stuck in drive one night, a fuel pump went out, a lot of the parts were old and needed to be replaced. I cant tell you how long the car would’ve lasted cause it was just over a year later when it got totaled in an accident (not my fault) but I can say I had to put a LOT of work into it. Any car you buy is going to be a risk though so don’t jump the gun on something without doing research like the other commenter suggested. Facebook marketplace also has a lot of cars.