How to Purchase a Former Cop Car

There is a certain thrill that comes with driving a former cop car. In addition, you know the municipality maintained these vehicles well because they are driven so hard. Police cars have special equipment so they can keep up with the abuse they take on the streets, and this equipment is still intact when the cars are retired from the police fleet; only special markings and lights are removed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Locate a dealer who sells former cop cars. Some dealers specialize in these, while others just happen to come across them by chance. This is your best bet for finding one in good condition.
2. Attend a car auction. Most cities will auction off their surplus equipment, including former cop cars, although you may need a dealer's license to purchase them. If so, talk to a dealer and tell them your interest. They may be able to accompany you to the auction and place bids for you.
3. Inspect any vehicle before you finalize a purchase. Check out the undercarriage to see how much damage it underwent (this is especially important in snowy areas). Bullet holes are common and should be patched to avoid rusting. Any modifications done to the interior, like holes drilled for installation of antennas, should also be taken care of.
4. Take it to an auto shop and have the engine thoroughly inspected by an experienced mechanic. The engines of cop cars do get worn out, but in many cases, they have been replaced several times before the car is retired. Thus the odometer reading doesn't matter so much.

Tips & Warnings

• Some sources say that the transmissions on former cop cars aren't up to par, so have that checked out as well. You may have to replace it soon after you buy the car.
• You can't drive this car like a cop would. You may be able to jump curbs and such, but you are not a cop and can't act like one. If the car still looks basically like a cop car (e.g., the driver's side spotlight is still intact, windows are still tinted), other drivers may think you're an undercover officer and try to flag you down, or worse, drive in front of you going below the speed limit for fear of getting pulled over.