My Advice on Bidding on Used Police Cars For Sale at Police Auctions
I am Greg Smokes, owner of the Police Auctions USA Directory, and I get a lot of requests for information about buying old police cars at police auctions. While I find that these occur less frequently than police seizure and impound auctions, the retired police car auctions do happen from time to time and are worth looking into.
I know I have come across the occasional private citizen in a retired police car and did a double-take before realizing it. Used police cars are actually in high demand for their unique features and have a reputation for very high reliability.
It is possible to buy used police cars for sale at auctions, but they are held sparsely so it is important to check their police auction sites often for updates on new auctions. Retired police cars for sale are more popular than ever thanks to online police car auctions open to the public.
My Thoughts on Used Police Cars For Sale at Auctions in the United States
Keep in mind that police surplus auctions will also include more than just police cruisers for sale. Occasionally, they will also auction old equipment in additional to having property room auctions. For the purpose of the information below, I will focus just on auctions of old police cars.
Many used cop cars for sale are decommissioned police interceptors[Wikipedia] which have more aggressive cams, better brakes, and other modifications to their stock variants. This is why old police cars are very popular with some car buyers and I understand why because they are quite fun to drive.
There are also police SUVs[YouTube video], vans, and other surplus vehicles that will be auctioned. It is not just used Ford Crown Victoria police interceptors, but many different manufacturers including Dodge Charger, Dodge RAM, and Chevrolet. Also, old K9 police SUVs[YouTube video] are very popular at these auctions.
How do I buy a used police car?
There are several options online for police auctions in the US. Each department will either hold their own auctions or they will use a third party site for their auctions. I suggest to verify the relationship claims made by any third-party police auction websites.
I find they are not held often so it requires some patience from you. Retired police cruisers and police SUVs are in more demand lately so visit the police auction sites often for updates.
Are used police cars reliable?
Now, ex-cop cars can be a bit of a gamble, just like any used car. They usually have a ton of miles on them, but the good news is they’re usually pretty tough and were well-maintained.
You can sometimes find some great deals at police car auctions, but keep in mind these cars have been driven hard. On the plus side, they’re usually built to last and have some nice upgrades. Just make sure you check the auction rules and fees carefully before you bid.
Is buying a used police car legal?
It quite often depends. This can vary by state to state in the US, but most do allow old police cruisers to be sold at auction to the public. Some areas are taking notice of the downsides to selling retired police cars and considering prohibition[local news article about banning used police cars].
I highly recommend you check your local laws before buying an old police car because even if you are allowed to buy them, you still may be required to make some changes like a repaint or removing lights.
Can I buy a used police car online?
Yes, these days most police auctions are online although a handful will still hold their auctions live with onsite bidding. Click here to see my list of police auction websites for all 50 US states.
How much are used police cars at police auctions?
Difficult to answer as it can vary greatly and depend on the model and vehicle type. You could expect to spend from $2k or $3k up to $15k+ if the unit is not that old or was not used extensively.
Is it a good idea to buy a retired police car?
Buying old cop cars can have its downsides. Depending on where they come from, these LEO vehicles for sale could have a ton of miles and a transmission that’s on its last leg.
Also, don’t forget – some insurance companies aren’t exactly thrilled about old cop cars, or any modified cars for that matter. The bottom line is, former law enforcement vehicles are probably a better fit for folks who know a thing or two about used cars and what to look for.
I’ve seen some real diamonds in the rough come out of police auctions, though – you just gotta know what you’re looking at.
What are popular makes and models of used LEO vehicles at public police car auctions online?
I put together this list of the most popular used police vehicle models and what makes them special. For some, it’s just the aesthetics, while others prefer them for their superior performance to factory consumer models.
- Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor (P71)
- Notable for its durability and reliability.
- Often equipped with a 4.6-liter V8 engine.
- Chevrolet Caprice Police Patrol Vehicle (PPV)
- Features a rear-wheel-drive system.
- Available with both V6 and V8 engines.
- Dodge Charger Pursuit
- Offers powerful engine options, including a HEMI V8.
- Known for its aggressive appearance and performance.
- Ford Police Interceptor Sedan
- Based on the Ford Taurus model.
- Comes with a choice of V6 engines, including a turbocharged version.
- Ford Police Interceptor Utility
- An SUV model based on the Ford Explorer.
- Provides ample space and versatility.
- Chevrolet Tahoe Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV)
- A full-size SUV with a strong V8 engine.
- Offers both two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive versions.
- Dodge Durango Special Service
- An SUV option with a spacious interior.
- Equipped with a V6 or V8 engine.
TIP: How to Find Old Police Cars Sold at Police Auctions Near You
First, I should remind you that decommissioned police vehicles for sale do not come without potential risks. But hey, that’s one of the reasons why I enjoy them so much. The thrill of bidding in an auction is hard to match.
Finding a used police interceptor for sale is not that difficult if you are willing to do the research and are also willing to look at police auctions outside of your area for more opportunities to bid. You can find the best police auctions sites in the USA HERE.
VIDEO: Buying a Used Cop Car at a Police Auction
I recommend that you watch this video first if you have never bought used cop cars before. There are some extra considerations compared to other types of car auctions.
Learn from an experienced car dealer about used police vehicles and their overall quality when sold at auctions. The main concern he discusses is the agency’s maintenance schedule that is selling the old police car that you are interested in.
Some are notorious for being rode very hard by their assigned officers while others are often in pristine shape. Texas Border Patrol is one agency he mentions that is known for having very stringent maintenance standards when it comes to their vehicles.
As always, price range is very important to consider. Buying used police cars for sale under $5,000 is obviously a lot riskier than buying a later model police cruiser for sale at $10k+.
My Final Piece of Advice: Sometimes, depending on the year model, the agency selling the used cruiser may not even be the first agency to have owned it.
I offer my decades of experience by sharing my tips and advice on these police auction listings. You may also find tow impound auctions, donated charity car auctions, and wholesale auto auctions.
My favorite part? Most of these are open to the public with no special requirements in order to bid in the auctions. How cool is that?
- My Tips & Advice on Impound Car AuctionsOpen to the Public - August 20, 2023
- Resources & My Advice on Online Police Auction Sites - March 5, 2023
- Police Motorcycle Auctions: My Tips & Tricks - January 19, 2023
Last updated on December 28th, 2024 at 08:58 pm
