How to Buy a Used Cop Car

Due to the rugged nature of law enforcement, cop cars are built for high performance, low maintenance and durability. Police cruisers are usually well maintained vehicles. They are also typically exchanged for new vehicles after 100,000 miles, even though manufacturers build them to last 500,000 miles or more. For these reasons, used cop cars are in high demand. If you would like to purchase a used police cruiser, follow the same basic rule you would follow when purchasing a regular used car--it's always best to find out what the car has been through before you buy it.

Instructions

1

Consider searching for cop cars in areas where there is low crime, straight streets and a limited number of high-speed chases. It may be easier to find police cars in urban areas, but police cars from quiet towns are in much better shape.

2

Attend a police auction. Some local police departments periodically hold their own auctions while others sell their cars through government surplus auctions. Regularly check your local newspaper paper for listings. Bring to the auction your identification and the means to pay for the car in full, in case you win a bid. If you are not mechanically-inclined, bring a friend who is so she can inspect the car before you bid.

3

Check for used police cars online. Many auto resellers deal directly with police departments and sell cop cars on their websites. A quick search using a key phrase such as "buy police cars" or "buy cop cars" will yield good results when looking for these dealers.

4

Inquire at your local police station. Some departments sell directly to the public. You can avoid the bidding process buying direct and it may be easier to learn the car's history.