Should You Buy a Retired Police Car?

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!

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.