used police cars

[Rocky_Road]

Re: used police cars

Always think positive...you may reach down the crack in the back seat and find some really cool drugs that some perps didn't want to have in their 'possession'!

You just might hit the motherlode, and your next boat become a 'ship'....

Happy boating!

 

[jimr]

Re: used police cars

If you buy one make sure to get a detective or chiefs car they are well taken care of. We have several in our fleet that have been wrecked several times. They do last good for what they are put through. I would not touch a patrol model unless I got it for a steal.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: used police cars

If you buy one make sure to get a detective or chiefs car they are well taken care of.

Those cars are usually not white and black. I'll bet when they are available they sell for a premium.

 

[wifisher]

Re: used police cars

Even the detective's or chief's car is rode hard and put away wet. The average patrol car is beaten harder than a rented mule. They are cheap for a reason.

If you buy one just be prepared to repair it. For the money you save in the purchase price, it may be worth it. Personally, I would not go near one. That's just me. If you want one, go for it.

 

[DJ]

Re: used police cars

i am thinking about buying a used police car. they have them all over down here in Florida and was wondering what all of you had to say about doing this. i know that they can be ran hard but at the same time i think the maintenance on them is kept up pretty well. some of the old crown vics i have seen also have a class 3 hitch on back. this would be my wifes car. i think since she has destroyed 3 cars prior to this, that a big honkin car may be what she needs. plus we are on a tight budget and most of the nicer cars are under 5000 and look almost new. ive been reading online about buying one and everyone is about 50/50 yes to no. thoughts? and they are pretty awesome at getting people to move out of your way on the highway cause they think you are a undercover cop. at least i always move out of the way.

Don't let the Class III hitch fool you. The car (P71) is rated to tow 2K#-only.

The hitch is there to save from ripping off the rear bumper cover when going through a median.

 

[98Shabah]

Re: used police cars

The class III hitch for these cars is the same from 1979-current, the rear section of the frame hasn't changed much during that time.

It's funny, the 1995 Crown Vic was rated at 5,000lbs, then in 1996, 2,000lbs.. I guess the cupholders in the 1996 killed it's tow capacity. lol!
http://www.trailerboats.com/towrating/index.cfm?action=search&yr=1995&make=Ford&model=Crown+Victoria&min_tlimit=&max_tlimit=

 

[DJ]

Re: used police cars

The class III hitch for these cars is the same from 1979-current, the rear section of the frame hasn't changed much during that time.

It's funny, the 1995 Crown Vic was rated at 5,000lbs, then in 1996, 2,000lbs.. I guess the cupholders in the 1996 killed it's tow capacity. lol!
http://www.trailerboats.com/towrati...&model=Crown+Victoria&min_tlimit=&max_tlimit=

It is MUCH different. The major change took place in 1999 (frame, rear suspension). Other numerous changes (steering, front suspension) were made in 2008.

 

[salty87]

Re: used police cars

lived in NH for a year. big difference from TX. it wasn't a long-term arrangement so rather than sell my car and get something more suitable for the snow/ice i got an old cop car instead from a junk yard that had many. it was awesome! had a full cage in the backseat, spotlight, safety lights in the trunk that automatically turned on anytime the trunk was opened...lots more, i can't remember it all.

anyway, it did the trick and we never had any problems with it. would do again.

 

[98Shabah]

Re: used police cars

It is MUCH different. The major change took place in 1999 (frame, rear suspension). Other numerous changes (steering, front suspension) were made in 2008.

True, there have been various improvements made to them over the years, stronger hydroformed frame, aluminum engine cradle, rack and pinion steering, addition of a watts link in the rear, relocated rear control arms and shocks, more HP, bigger brakes, dual piston front calipers, etc, none of which were made in 2008 or 1999. 1998 and 2003 were the last two substantial revisions.. I was simply getting at the tow capacity drop from the 1995 to the 1996 while no changes were made to the car other than trim packages and dropping the tow package.

Still, the rear section of the frame behind the axle is the same width and shape as in 1979, hence the same hitch is still used.

 

[aspeck]

Re: used police cars

If the deal was good enough and that was the kind of vehicle I was looking for, I would do it in a heartbeat. But it would need to be a really sweet deal!

 

[Trooper Steve]

Re: used police cars

I drive a Crown Vic up here in Wisconsin. The Troopers here are issued their cruisers and as such are not driven 24/7. Most guys/gals take excellent care of their rides as well. If it were me I'd do some checking into the Department the cruiser came from. Most will have a service/repair history available. These cars are pretty dependable, but the heat down there can put some serious wear and tear on them!

 

[Scottde1983]

Re: used police cars

I worked for a police maintenance department and I can tell you they are not as well maintained as you would hope. I've seen more gun decking logs, taped wires, and rtv is there best friend.

 

[DJ]

Re: used police cars

True, there have been various improvements made to them over the years, stronger hydroformed frame, aluminum engine cradle, rack and pinion steering, addition of a watts link in the rear, relocated rear control arms and shocks, more HP, bigger brakes, dual piston front calipers, etc, none of which were made in 2008 or 1999. 1998 and 2003 were the last two substantial revisions.. I was simply getting at the tow capacity drop from the 1995 to the 1996 while no changes were made to the car other than trim packages and dropping the tow package.

Still, the rear section of the frame behind the axle is the same width and shape as in 1979, hence the same hitch is still used.

Just because the "dimensions" didn't change doesn't mean other stuff didn't.

Frame strength, etc.

As a WARNING. Pull anything over 2K# and your are ON YOUR OWN.


The REAL question :

-There are plenty of vehicles that will pull/stop trailers. IS, whether, or not, the hitch stays attached to the vehicle!!!

I "cringe" at a Camaro or Vette pulling a trailer. Brakes/power---Yes. Chassis-NOOOOOO!

You cannot compare European trailering spec's to North America. Their hitch mounting is much different and they are CLOSELY gaurded to speed.

BUT, you will do what you want to do!