ex police

new to these forums so i'll be quick......

can any of you guys give me some info on what to look out for when buying an 'Ex plod'
also does anybody know of where there are any auctons which deal in them

thanks in anticipation

[BigJC]

The one thing to check for is large holes in the dashboard! I bought mine in June and have only just got a replacement dash. It's not because parts are hard to source for T5's but 850's have an odd bluey grey dash that are scare in none Police cars.

There are plenty of non ex-police cars around which tend to have more toys.

Do a search for ex-police and you'll find plenty of posts.

Happy hunting or for the right kind of offer I might sell mine:)

I was speaking to a dealer recently and he informed me that the white ex-police cars are very difficult to sell, and that they normally have knackered suspension, due to all the weight they carry in the back. Apparently it's not just springs and shocks either, it's all the bushes and everything, so check carefully.

I'm sure there are some gooduns out there. I personally love T5 Estates in white!! That was my first Volvo.

Happy hunting

Nigel:)

[cootuk]

There are a couple of companies that get mentioned on here occassionally that specialise in ex police cars. You many want to consider paying the extra as then they take the initial risk of buying a lemon. They can also sort out the dashboard holes.
Can't remember the URLs, but you could always have a chat with them about the general state of their cars and the problems they find.

You'll probably find lots of wear and tear in the interior generally, and maybe marks/holes where the lights and aerials have been.

If the car has been used by proper Traffic Police, then they know how to drive properly so the car may have had a hard life, but not abused.
If it was an armed response area car, then that may have been thrashed. I would certainly want to be pretty sure the turbo is ok.

All police cars also stand a chance of having crash damage just because they do chase criminals.

www.expolicecars.com is one dealer. If it were me, I think I'd buy an older T5 for the same money. It could well have less miles on it, and you'll be able to sell when you've finished with it!!

Just my humble opinion!!

Happy Xmas

[johnnyoro]

hi checkout the current edition of Car mechanics they are doing a report that covers exactly what you want to know

thanks guys

is there any problems with the engine or transmissions

do the V70 have the blue/grey dash or is it just limited to the 850

I test drove a couple of ex-police V70s before settling on a non-police 850. My decision was based on the fact that I would be driving the car both for fun and creature comforts. It isn't every road in England where you can catch a straight and nail the horizon in no time flat. In an ex-police car, it seems you will be lucky to get the creature comforts.

I asked everyone I knew whether I should go for the ex-police job. All but one person said leave them alone. That one person was a boy racer. All the others were people connected with the trade somehow. I also read the associated threads on here, where policemen and mechanics alike advised against it.

It is your choice. Having seen other owners ex-police cars for resale, it seems they are a bitch to sell on. Whilst on the forecourt of an ex-police dealer, they seem attractive. Once there is another owner between the police and prospective new owner, the attraction disappears.

Whatever happens, I love my T5, with all its toys and power.

Richard Whennell
855 T5

after all your useful info i think i'll pass by the idea and go the proper route and get a 850R instead............

thanks you guys

jaybo (lexus owner but soon to be volvo)