Buying ex-Police cars - are they reliable?

I have recently set up a business as a pet courier, specialising in small animals. However, my business has taken off in a way I never expected and I now need a larger vehicle. I am interested in ex-police dog vehicles - estate cars or small vans. The built in cages are adaptable for my needs and I also need the specialist ventilation as I want to be able to do longer journeys and this will allow me to comply with DEFRA regs.

I have read mixed reviews about police vehicles - some saying that they are a good buy as they are well driven and serviced; others saying that they are thrashed to death and serviced on a shoe-string. I would welcome any advice you can give me. The two most common models seem to be the Ford Focus and the Skoda Octavia.

Asked on 14 July 2014 by Flisskat

Answered by Honest John
Obviously police vehicles are disposed of at an age and mileage that the police fleet manager knows is when they are likely to start to become unreliable or cost a lot in repairs and replacements. No one gives anything away. But as a disposable car for carrying animals they make a lot more sense than a newer car the value of which would be destroyed from carrying animals. The best place to find one for sensible money is West Oxfordshire Motor Auctions, Witney, on Thursday evenings: www.woma.co.uk/police-auctions_17.html
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