Should You Buy a Used Police Vehicle?

Here's what to know when considering a car once used by law enforcement.

Chris Terry | 

Aug 9, 2024 | 2 min read

Getty Images

Many frugal car buyers know a used police vehicle can be a good deal, as most sell for lower prices than their retail equivalents. However, price is just one factor to consider when buying a vehicle once used by law enforcement.

Pursuit Vehicles vs. Special-Service Vehicles

As Elwood Blues pointed out in the 1980s film "The Blues Brothers," not only are police vehicles often outfitted with powerful engines, but many also come with heavy-duty suspension, stronger steel wheels, heavy-duty alternators, and other mechanical and interior treatments suited for high-speed chases and severe duty cycles. These cars are pursuit-rated police vehicles.

One of the more common pursuit-rated cars in the United States is Ford's Police Interceptor Utility. Another common option is the discontinued-in-2023 Dodge Charger, which can be equipped with either a 3.6-liter V6 or a muscular 5.7-liter Hemi V8 making 370 horsepower.

Not every fleet vehicle used by a law enforcement agency requires the mechanical upgrades found in pursuit-rated models. Higher-ranking officers and auxiliary personnel may drive special-service vehicles, including the Ford Transit Prisoner Transport Vehicle, pickups such as the Ram 1500 Classic Special Service, or even fuel-efficient vehicles such as the Chevrolet Bolt EUV Special Service.

Crash Protection, Ballistic Panels, and More

Not only do some pursuit-rated vehicles come with added safety features such as Ford's 75-mph rear crash protection — for the safety of officers parked on the side of the highway — but some are also equipped with unexpected options, including ballistic panels said to be capable of withstanding armor-piercing bullets.

Another interesting feature available on Ford's police vehicles is Surveillance Mode, which rolls up windows and locks doors if someone approaches from behind.

In most cases, police departments remove light bars when their cars leave service. However equipment such as spotlights or a push bar — an assembly designed to protect the front end from damage — may remain.

Where to Buy and What to Look For

Government auctions and private auction sites are the easiest ways to find retired police vehicles. Often, local classifieds will offer them as well.

Detailed pre-purchase inspections are highly unlikely at an auction, so arm yourself with as much model research or recruit an expert to help select a vehicle.

While mileage varies by state and local agency, the North Carolina Department of Public Safety says the mileage on its available vehicles typically ranges between 120,000 and 160,000 miles. For some used police vehicles, service records are available.

Chris Terry

Chris Terry has been writing about cars since his sophomore year of college. His passion led him to his first job at the United States Council for Automotive Research, where he wrote about new automotive technology developed by Ford, Chrysler, and General Motors. He went on to freelance for Popular Mechanics and AutoWeek in addition to his work at agencies representing car companies and suppliers. Outside of writing, Chris is a semi-professional musician who regularly plays all over Michigan.