Used P71 Auctions: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

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Feb. 3, 2012 8:04 a.m. CGLockRacer HalfDork

With all this talk of P71's, and the fact my Miata needs some work soon, and its my only car, I'm considering getting a P71 for a short term DD. There is a dealer (Trumbull Auto in Livonia, MI) near me that specializes in used police vehicles. I think their prices are reasonable (100K mile '03 P72 for $4k). Cars are serviced and inspected, sometimes freshly painted. I have met someone who bought cars there and has been happy.

Now, is it worth the premium to buy one from the dealer, or can I find a police auction where they are selling P71s and pick up a car for 1/2 that? How much work would a fresh off the street car need?

Thanks!
Feb. 3, 2012 8:15 a.m. Conquest351 Dork

If you're going to get one, look for a Detective's car or a Supervisor car. They're usually not as beat to hell and have some of the nicer amenities. If you're gonna get one from a dealer, the only benefit to that is you know EXACTLY who to talk to if the one you buy grenades in 2 months. LOL Sounds like they've already given it the once over and fixed any major issues. It may even be worth talking to them and offering to buy one direct from auction from them before their work but after the inspection if you want to do all the stuff yourself.
Feb. 3, 2012 10:45 a.m. Javelin SuperDork

P72 = taxicab, don't bother. You'd be better off buying a "regular" Crown Vic. As for the price, it's nuts. You can get straight from the cops an 03+ with 100-125K for around $2500-$3000, paying an extra $1000 for some clean up isn't worth it. Look for Highway Patrol / State Police cars, they are usually in a lot better shape. Don't worry about a trashed interior, you can replace the whole thing in about 3 hours and it's all plug-and-play with every 98-11 CV or GrandMa.
Feb. 3, 2012 12:24 p.m. dculberson HalfDork

$4000 will get you a 2008 or 2009 at the state of Ohio vehicle auctions in Columbus. A 2003 will go for around $2000 - $2500.

Edit: go here:

http://das.ohio.gov/Divisions/GeneralServices/Surplus/tabid/227/Default.aspx
Feb. 3, 2012 3:11 p.m. wrek496 New Reader

I've been driving Crown Vics as a cab driver in Portland,OR for many years now. I highly recommend power seats first of all as the cops seats are low and flat. Make sure the trans feels right. Seems like one of THE main reasons they get retired is the trans is starting to get sloppy. If you're patient you can occasionally find one as low as 75-80k mileage(at least in the NW). Beware of steam cleaned engines, the coil packs can get wet. I drove one recently w/300k miles on it (still in the fleet!).