ex police cars

redmel1621

Hi

This is the first time I have posted over on this forum, I hope someone can advise me please:)

I have seen quite a few Volvo V70 ex police cars for sale....what do you think? They usually have quite high mileage but fairly decent age...i.e 04 reg 200 000 miles, or 06 reg, 160 000 miles.....

I was wondering whether I would be better going for one of these than say a 01 reg that has 100 000 or less on the clock.

I don't really know a lot about cars, but really, really want a Volvo V70 as I have been told many times that Volvo run and run, also I want a big boot as we have a big dog and I want to make use of it for camping...I am also planning on getting the boot seat conversion (if it hasn't got one) and making it a 7 seater.

Sorry for the waffle......what age/mileage would you recommend I aim for.
Oh yeah I can't go over £2500/3000 maximum - but cheaper if possible!

TIA
Mel x

harveybobbles

If you're on a budget, then yes an ex Cop car makes sense. Sort of...
They're big, fast, high milesage, basic spec and very cheap. However, the money you save on buying one, you will spend on re building the suspension.

So if you tot up what you'd spend on rebuilding it, you could probably buy a decent spec thing from a dealer.

Bit hit and miss really!

There are lods on ebay. There is a decent ex cop car specialist in Blackpool and one in Hyde that I know of.

Viper_7

Not necessarily. They are very well maintained. Yes high mileage, yes multiple "owners" but generally in mechanically good order. The body work might not be as good however.

V70 is a very good motor and will run and run.

harveybobbles

I agree, they will run for ever. But if you think of the battering the suspension gets going over speed bumps at 30mph and up ketbs etc. If you read the adverts for them most mention about the suspension is due to be done or has been done.

redmel1621

Wow quick replies...

Yes I am on a budget, and to be honest (this will sound vain/stupid) I want one that has a 'newer' look iykwim....

I was considering the ex police cars because I would have thought that they would be well maintained, but didn't consider the suspension....I wonder how much that would cost to repair. I could always get it done at a bit of a later date.

I will need to use it for motorway driving, not great distances, about 60 miles a day but want something that will handle it easily as well as be a great versatile family car for many years...

I have also been looking at dealers, but not too sure as I always seem to really like the expensive newer models £8000+ and then don't like looking at the cheaper ones. I will check back to see if anyone has any other thoughts about ex police cars

Mel x

Viper_7

Volvo original parts- are expensive, mainly because they are built to last and they usually do!

Check out here : http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/ (see you there) lots of advice and lots of people on here have ex police cars over the years not known anyone to get a bad un.

redmel1621

Viper_7 wrote: »

Volvo original parts- are expensive, mainly because they are built to last and they usually do!

Check out here : http://www.volvoforums.org.uk/ (see you there) lots of advice and lots of people on here have ex police cars over the years not known anyone to get a bad un.

Thank You

I will be straight on there in the morning:)

Mel x

MUMMYTO2BOYS

We had an Ex Police Astra. Never gave us any bother. Police will have them serviced regularly and any faults (inc suspension) will be sorted.

goldspanners

redmel1621 wrote: »

I don't really know a lot about cars, but really, really want a Volvo V70 as I have been told many times that Volvo run and run, also I want a big boot as we have a big dog and I want to make use of it for camping...I am also planning on getting the boot seat conversion (if it hasn't got one) and making it a 7 seater.

if it doesnt have the 7 seat conversion already in it then you will have to inform insurance about extra 2 seats as a modification and your V5 will state the car is only 5 seater,but you will have 7,so think again about this, it isnt as simple as just throwing 2 seats in the back.

harveybobbles

The facelift'd V70 came out mid 2004 which it gained coloured bumper and door mouldings, different grille, lights. Centre console was SLIGHTLY different too.

redmel1621

goldspanners wrote: »

if it doesnt have the 7 seat conversion already in it then you will have to inform insurance about extra 2 seats as a modification and your V5 will state the car is only 5 seater,but you will have 7,so think again about this, it isnt as simple as just throwing 2 seats in the back.

It's ok I have read up quite a bit about it...and about the technical things to do with boot catches etc:)