Ex Police Cars

[dooma]

Hey,

After getting my VT written off I am finally getting into a LS1. Budget looks like I can get a decent VX SS, but really like to get into a VY SS. Realistically the only way I will do this is to get an ex police car.

My question is what are peoples experiences with these? I know some people who swear by them, others who wouldn't touch them? All advice greatly appreciated, want my first LS1 to be a good one...

Cheers,

Damien.

[jaskel]

all been serviced by holden, been thrashed but thats what they are built for.

You will be very suprised at how much the highway boys look after their cars.

[Sonnymad]

I,ve had a few ex chasers in my time,the thing you have to watch out for is,there are some really trashed ones out there,mostly from the hwy patrol department those guys give the cars a beating,the best way is to look round and tryin find which station they came from as that will be a indication if its from a busy area or a area wheres theres alot of chases(lol)then you know not to buy,but yeh i never had any trouble with my chaser's and they went well ,hope this helps ur question

;)

regards sonny

[VT2HSVR8]

I have had both a VN and VS ex-chaser, both were country cars, as they tend to be better looked after. Not many gutters to drive over, and you cant go too silly when backup is hours away if you crash. :)

The busy suburbs in city areas are where you may have dramas, much more likely to have been in prangs, or hard driving over gutters/medium strips etc.

I would say go for it if that is all the wallet will allow for. I had fun with both of mine and never had a single drama, though the VN was getting a bit of a rattle in the gearbox after a few years worth of driving, so I got rid of it. :)

[Elite SS]

If you intend on buying and LS I, try and locate one thats not from the Police Force, as most will know and tell you if it's and LS1 and it's a "Police Pursuite Special " it's had the ass flogged out of it...you also have to look into the gearbox, diff and suspension, % 99 of them get traded at 40 000 km, like said before look around and have a look at their log books to state where they come from...I had an Ex-Chaser in the XE 351 kind and never had a problem with it...so you can find a good one...But personellly I would rather look for something else...

[Road Warrior]

I had a VT ex chaser, an LS1 no less that was used as the driver training car! Never had a problem with it. Trans was a bit dodgy but you get that.

[Tonner]

bought an xa Gs years ago didn't realize it was an ex cop car, till after I bought it,, back then most of them where fitted with a quaterglass , I just thought it was an option for the gs ,but nah it turned out to be one, different brakes and all ,bummer.

[Yas786]

I have not had any issues with my VY ex chaser. The positives are you do generally find them a little lower in price. And as previously mentioned, if it was a country car you have a better chance of it being looked after.

I bought mine with 40 odd kays on, and without sounding too biased, it was pretty tight. It just depends on how fussy you are with the purchase.

In summary, as long as you inspect them properly, and know what you buying, ex chasers are ok in my book.

Yas

[SV8VY]

I haven't actually owned one but I knew someone who bought one and couldn't be happier.
They do get a regular service and if anything needs changing there is no haggling about price so always get new parts put in.
They do get a thrashing but hey that's what the cars are meant for and carbon build up would not be likely.
You would get one with few km on the clock also I would assume.

[jescam]

I have had 5 ex-police commodores and all have been fine! ;)

My current VYSS is ex-police and people are generally surprised when i tell them due to its excellent condition!

I suppose you would get the bad ones,but generally you see them and drive them before purchase so you can tell what they are like!

I would have no hesitation in getting another one,and the added bonus of being quite cheap is an incentive in itself if you are on a budget!

I mean, i have seen VZSS's advertised for $27,990!!! :eek:

I haven't personally gone to look at them, but that is a cheap VZSS!

[Daniel996]

For those that have/had the ex-cop cars, is the roof full of holes from the lights/cables/aerials etc? I assume they bog them up somehow?

Cheers
Dan

[Lucky]

I'v got an ex country chaser and its a great car.Just happens to be for sale with low klms and in perfect condition.
PM me if your interested.
Ciao

[macca33]

From experience, buy a country car. It will have been treated better and have had less stop/start drivetrain pressure. They are serviced to the letter of the handbook and most traffic blokes do look after their cars.

It may, though, have had plenty of zero to two ton and back to zero runs, so you should check it thoroughly.

Also, if anything went wrong whilst it was in service, it was repaired/replaced immediately through warranty, so it should be right by the time it gets sold.

Also, the white ones seem to go a bit cheaper than the coloured cars, so that may help with your colour choice.

[lautray]

No problems with mine (vxii ss). Was based in Wangaratta, country Vic. Got ~129,000 on it now & still going strong. Feels bulletproof (bad pun!). I'd buy another one, provided it is in great condition.

[VT2HSVR8]

For those that have/had the ex-cop cars, is the roof full of holes from the lights/cables/aerials etc? I assume they bog them up somehow?

Cheers
Dan

If you were to buy one direct from the auctions, then yes they would probably still have the various holes that are from the lights, etc.

Most dealers replace/respray the parts with holes, but you would be surprised, the police add ons are a lot less intrusive than what you would think. (no holes in roof, the light bars have a padded type rail system that contacts the roof, a hole was in the side pillar? (plastic part between windows) for the wiring though)

At least that is how it was done when I had mine. I would think it wouls still be the same, but haven't looked at an ex-chaser for years.

[180sx]

The only thing I'd be wary of about buying an ex-cop car (well any car for that matter), is they were probably thrashed from a cold start. Otherwise, seeing they are regularly serviced, and can be somewhat cheaper, they could be a worthwhile option :)

[Jimbo_AUS]

If you were to buy one direct from the auctions, then yes they would probably still have the various holes that are from the lights, etc.

Most dealers replace/respray the parts with holes, but you would be surprised, the police add ons are a lot less intrusive than what you would think. (no holes in roof, the light bars have a padded type rail system that contacts the roof, a hole was in the side pillar? (plastic part between windows) for the wiring though)

At least that is how it was done when I had mine. I would think it wouls still be the same, but haven't looked at an ex-chaser for years.

My boss bought one and the roof racks hold all the wiring into the car through the pillar as VT2HSVR8 has said.

The only thing wrong with the car was the seats....they were stuffed and needed to be fixed up. Mostly bent inwards if you know what I mean.

[lowriding]

I reckon your way better off buying a ex Highway car than a GD hack - the HWY cars are serviced & looked after shedloads better . Just take a look out on the street and compare the way the HWP cars are presented .Pride in their vehicle is part of their job. All general advice because of course you will find some excellent GD cars and dog HWP but that's to be expected.

[Elite SS]

The biggest problem in buying any car is that you never know how it'd been treated, judging a car bY it's service history doesn't do it any justice if it's been flogged half its life..like any car today you can have a 1 year old lemon to a 10 year without even a oil leak...the worst part about HWY patrol cars is that they are used for what they are made for "Chasing"
1 : Keep away from the car if it's been owned or driven by an 18 year old.

2 : defently walk away if it's been driven by a 19 year old COP.... :lol:

[Y2kGoofball]

Keep away from the car if it's been owned or driven by an 18 year old. thats not always true, I look after the families cars ;)

As for this topic your best off getting ex HWP. You find most of them are looked after because its usually the same cop or 2 that use it and when it is they treat it like their own car, even down to washing them.

Plus their not always on the road day in day out like the GD "Executives" which are practically only stopped for more then 25 mins when its being serviced or stopped at maccas :D And being a V8 it doesnt take force to get it from no to whoa, which is what alot of the sixes cop because the driver is impatient and wants to be faster then everyone else, quickly.

Dont get me wrong, some HWP cars are thrashed as well and as mentioned their designed for chasing, but you can get hold of ones that have been well looked after which is the car I wouldnt mind getting one day :)

Plus they have the police packs (dunno if its still called BT1?) which has suspension and brake mods already done.

[Stocky]

GMH realised back in 2002 that many people who could not afford a new SS bought ex HP cars. This was a market they did not have a car for. Thus the SV8. Same engine, gearbox, diff, suspension. Only difference 17" vs 18" alloy rims & tyres & quad airbags vs front only & in VY & VY2 models no body kit.

If you like the sleeper look it's great but if the SS badge is important then maybe the ex HP car is your option. You could get a VZ SV8 for less than a VY2 SS. The VZ SV8 now has the same body kit as the SS plus 3.73 diffs for manuals trannies.

BTW, with the money you save you could have the car edited + MAF pipe + exhaust. If $$ are critical mail order edit + HSV MAF pipe [not required on VZ] + HSV exhaust from here or eBay & 3.9 diff if trying to squeeze the most out of the car.


Stocky

[Road Warrior]

For those that have/had the ex-cop cars, is the roof full of holes from the lights/cables/aerials etc? I assume they bog them up somehow?

Cheers
Dan

I bought mine from the auctions and it had no holes. The light bar is basically a roof rack and the wiring is threaded under the door seal. They repaired the holes in the centre console too.

[karter42]

Mine is an ex Vic chaser, body work perfect, paint perfect, did have an engine replacement at 90k because of cold start rattle. The gearbox is perfect, it drives like its on rails, I have had it for 1 1/2 years and cannot fault it. Has 128k on it now.

If you have the chance, test drive before purchase.

I could not be happier, and it was cheap......

Dave.

[Swordie]

Best to call Holden to see what is covered under warranty with Ex-Police cars. I think there may be some differences from memory.

[RIDE:42]

check around for insurance as some will not touch ex cop cars ;)

[JamesL]

have just clocked on 250000 on my ex chaser and its still going ok for its age (vs).

would I buy one again.. probably yes

:)

[HRT 8]

Heres some suggestions to look out for.
The rubber door seal at about hip height. Firearms hit them as you sit into the car no matter how carefull you are. Also the front door jamb and the front edge of the rear door. Again the firearm can hit them.
Holes in the roof (on Vic cars) are under the plastic rain channel on the roof. They get plugged before they refit the black balstic strip. (theyre left off whilst in service)
The dash is usually replaced to get rid of any holes which are from radio transmitters.

Most are washed at auto car washes. So keep an eye out for bad swirl marks esp on the darker models.
Fornt suspension seems to cop a bit of a belting also.

[xshore]

A guy at work I know bought a vx ss excop car a couple of weeks back, 60,000km, $24,000. No holes in the roof. I didn't drive it but it felt fine and sturdy as a passenger, interior was a little worn, but his engine was nice and quiet. It was in bad need of a wax too. My experience seeing an exchaser was an ok one.

[surfmaster59]

Heres some suggestions to look out for.
The rubber door seal at about hip height. Firearms hit them as you sit into the car no matter how carefull you are. Also the front door jamb and the front edge of the rear door. Again the firearm can hit them.
Holes in the roof (on Vic cars) are under the plastic rain channel on the roof. They get plugged before they refit the black balstic strip. (theyre left off whilst in service)
The dash is usually replaced to get rid of any holes which are from radio transmitters.

Most are washed at auto car washes. So keep an eye out for bad swirl marks esp on the darker models.
Fornt suspension seems to cop a bit of a belting also.

NSW HWP (LS1's) have the damage at hip height from the firearm hitting the door rubber/seal. There is sometimes wear on the drivers seat near the pillar. They are generally not washed in car washes - there is no money for it - washing is done the old fashioned way with a bucket and sponge. GD vehicles in NSW are not LS1 no way no how. Unless you have a way of checking it is very hard to tell where the car spent its working life - Holden shares the sales amongst the dealers - a car sold by X in Sydney may have spent its life in Broken Hill.

If you are looking for damage check under the front bars on the corners as this is what touches down first on quick u-turns, also check the rear tyres for wear on the insides - tyres are swapped front to rear to get them through the auctions so a front wheel alignement problem may come to light on the rear tyres first.

[Ralph1]

I bought a VY Exec LS1 ex cop car and it has been back to Holden a few times to fix some small things (10-13 things) under warranty. Holden will cover all faults in these cars as their warranty does not state they do not cover cop cars. BTW mine goes in soon for the engine rebuild as well!!

[lautray]

I bought a VY Exec LS1 ex cop car and it has been back to Holden a few times to fix some small things (10-13 things) under warranty. Holden will cover all faults in these cars as their warranty does not state they do not cover cop cars. BTW mine goes in soon for the engine rebuild as well!!
The only thing I found the dealer had issue with regarding warranty claim was they would not machine the discs (warped) as it was "ex-cop".

[karter42]

The only thing I found the dealer had issue with regarding warranty claim was they would not machine the discs (warped) as it was "ex-cop".

That is interesting. So, if the cops take there cars in with warped disks for warranty work, they are going to say "no, this is a cop car"? I would like to see that..... :box: oh sorry, I meant to say, of course we will fix it under warranty.

[Ralph1]

Yes I had to replace my front rotors as they were cracked, Holden would not touch them under warranty. :mad:

[Swordie]

I was very surprised to find out light globes are covered by warranty.

[Ralph1]

Yes I had a park globe replaced, I did it myself and it still would not work, so they did it. I am also getting a ripped seat, worn fabric and stitching coming out fixed under warranty as well, and while this is going on (as well as the engine) i am getting a courtesy car for the week!!!! :D

[Ralph1]

I am looking at selling mine as I have spotted a VY2 Berlina LS1......mmmmm anyone wanna buy a car!!! :lol:

[JamesL]

Looking at my books, my car was based at Yass

:)

[Stevotski]

I bought a VY Exec LS1 ex cop car and it has been back to Holden a few times to fix some small things (10-13 things) under warranty. Holden will cover all faults in these cars as their warranty does not state they do not cover cop cars. BTW mine goes in soon for the engine rebuild as well!!


I though I have read somwhere in Holden literature that 'Emergency Services Vehicles' are only covered by a 12 month warranty.

If they have 3 year - then by all means buy one at auction!

[Vulture]

Some info from another thread from member VY LS1 regarding prices for ex-cop LS1s. Have a look at the VZ prices.

Check it (http://www.auctions.sa.gov.au/prices.php)

[Elite SS]

That is interesting. So, if the cops take there cars in with warped disks for warranty work, they are going to say "no, this is a cop car"? I would like to see that..... :box: oh sorry, I meant to say, of course we will fix it under warranty.

All the parts are covered under warranty while the car is in the Police hands or any goverment issued cars, if the car is too damaged they get replaced and auction off, but once the car is auctioned off the warranty becomes limited to the parts that Holden will replace, like Eric "Lautray" said they wouldn't cover the machining of the rotors but if you came across the right work shop they probably would of replaced them with new ones.