How to get police options on civilian Mopar?

[cld]

Hey folks--

I am thinking about getting a new daily driver and was wondering if anyone knew how to get a new police-package Mopar, like a Charger or (if they offer it) a Durango. I don't want leather, nav, fancy sound system, fancy wheels, power seats, power windows, etc, just 4 doors, cloth seats, steelies, and a Hemi. I've checked at a couple prominent dealers here in Texas and no one will give me the time of day, I guess because it's clear that I am looking to economize instead of load something out. I understand the logic, since auto dealers operate on pretty thin margins, but it still p!sses me off. One of them even told me the best thing to do was get a loaded out R/T and then sell the wheels, radio, etc on Ebay! But that's the whole point of getting a new vehicle -- can't I just pick the stuff I want?

Anyway, do I need to know a guy who knows a guy? And if so, do any of you know that guy?

 

[commando1]

The only way is on ebay where dealers get Cop Cars in after being in Cop service for a very short period, repair them, and are now allowed to be sold to the public.

Example.
Go to ebay.
Search for Caprice 2014

The only other way, which I have seen done, is a Security Agency fronting for you.

 

[Ironwolf]

[h=1]http://www.policeone.com/police-products/vehicles/articles/2001816-How-to-buy-patrol-cars/

How to buy patrol cars[/h]

---

By Jeff Wohlgemuth
There have been many vehicles over the years that have been called police cars. Some of them evoke fond memories while others have caused severe headaches. While every state and municipality has different bylaws when it comes to vehicle aquisition, there are a few points to take into account when purchasing a police vehicle:
What kind of car?
Many hours could be spent discussing what makes a police car. There is certainly no replacement in many applications for a pursuit-rated car. However, there is one outstanding fact: a rear wheel drive, 8-cylinder engine is not always the right choice. When looking at your fleet, there are many different applications that must be met. We would not use a sledge hammer to hang a picture, then why do we use a Crown Vic for construction duty, or patrolling the parks? There are many cars that could be better suited for specific application and a balanced fleet.
Vendors are a valuable resource
While a state contract is the easiest way to acquire vehicles, “piggybacking” may not get you the options you want or the best pricing for the configuration desired. It is important to know what options are available. Pre-wire packages may save some fleets a lot of time and money, but others may be better suited to utilize an aftermarket wire harness to get the functionality they need.
Have a plan
Every one who has dealt with fleets knows that no matter when you want the car, something will delay it. The truth in the matter is that there are so many pieces in getting a car from order to delivery, that it is difficult to pinpoint an exact timeline. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Order equipment at the same time you order the car. Do not wait until there is a delivery date.
2. Talk to your dealer about in stock vehicles. If there are any options that may delay production, this alternative can save a lot of time.
3. Consult all parties who will be touching your car. Order graphics and radios the same time you order the vehicle. Determine what equipment should be installed. These preparations will save time.
4. There are many different options that can keep uniformity of your fleet if you chose to buy a Ford Edge instead of a Crown Victoria. They can still be upfitted to function the same in the cockpit.
Don’t wait
This is the hardest piece of advice to follow. It may not be possible to put a purchase order in on Jan. 1 of each year. If you have done the leg work for budget stipulations, decided what options are most important, determined what your officers expect, and reviewed what changes will be happening; you will have streamlined the purchasing process. The end result will be receiving the exact vehicle desired in a timely fashion.
There are many options to think about when purchasing a police car, and it is not always easy. Consulting your dealer and equipment provider for current trends and market conditions can ensure that the process goes smoother.
Jeff Wohlgemuth is the Director of Business Development for Warnock Fleet. Jeff has had the unique opportunity of experiencing the acquisition and maintainenance of a fleet as well as supplying fleet needs.

 

[commando1]

The above is good info, but, that's talking about "piggy backing" munincipal fleet purchases.
As as civilian he can't piggy back.

 

[Ironwolf]

The above is good info, but, that's talking about "piggy backing" munincipal fleet purchases.
As as civilian he can't piggy back.

I kind of thought as well unless I misread the info on that website.

I am of the understanding anyone can get them.

However I may be wrong ""AGAIN !!!! DAMN IT !!!!""

 

[commando1]

Nope. You need credentials.
Which you can buy on the internet,
Ohhhhhhh........ did I say that?

 

[Ironwolf]

Nope. You need credentials.
Which you can buy on the internet,
Ohhhhhhh........ did I say that?

 

[cld]

Hmmmm... thanks guys. Maybe used is the best bet. There's a 2010 nearby with under 100k miles for under 10k. However, I worry that 100k actual miles means sitting around idling for the equivalent of 300k miles, plus who knows what has been excreted/ejected in the back on the way to the drunk tank, etc.

 

[commando1]

Look for the ones with the true patrol car prisoner transport back seat (hose them out and put them back into service for the next shift) and the standard rubber mat flooring in lieu of the optional carpetting.

The Crown Vics were available with non-upholstererd hard back seats.

 

[commando1]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charg...tr=true&hash=item1c50308758&item=121604441944

 

[Ironwolf]

Very interesting !!

 

[72Fury]

Hmmmm... thanks guys. Maybe used is the best bet. There's a 2010 nearby with under 100k miles for under 10k. However, I worry that 100k actual miles means sitting around idling for the equivalent of 300k miles, plus who knows what has been excreted/ejected in the back on the way to the drunk tank, etc.

I wonder if the Mopar version shows idle hours like a 2007 & up Crown Vic does?

 

[cld]

I wonder if the Mopar version shows idle hours like a 2007 & up Crown Vic does?

Interesting, didn't know anything other than commercial/agricultural machinery/trucks showed that.

 

[cld]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dodge-Charg...tr=true&hash=item1c50308758&item=121604441944

Good find, thanks. Says it's for sale to municipality or law enforcement, though. And it's a six-banger. But that's the idea.

And just to clarify for everyone, I'm not looking for a "real" police car. I don't want the push bar, spotlights, etc. Just the super basic interior, HD suspension, V8, steelies. Basically the modern day equivalent of a Max Wedge car or '69 1/2 RR.

 

[commando1]

It's a shame. You once could build your car to cop specs just by checking a lot of boxes off. Today? Phhhhttt......

If you want some interesting reading, go the Dodge Fleet Sales website and check out all the cop car std. and optional equiptment.

https://www.fleet.chrysler.com/.../Charger_Pursuit_Buyer_Guide.pdf

 

[68plymouth383]

I think if you find a chrysler dealer thats hungry enough there might be a salesman who will get you fixed up. You'd just need to order it.

 

[cld]

I think if you find a chrysler dealer thats hungry enough there might be a salesman who will get you fixed up. You'd just need to order it.

That's the thing! At the two largest dealerships up here they've blown me off when I started inquiring about the details. The sales people seem hungry only for the upsell, not for something stripped down. They seriously suggested I would have to get an R/T and then tear it apart and sell the pieces I didn't want. ??!! Jason, maybe I need to check with some of the San Antonio area guys next time I am down there on business.

 

[Ironwolf]

I think if you find a chrysler dealer thats hungry enough there might be a salesman who will get you fixed up. You'd just need to order it.

One would think you can order a new vehicle any way you want,

HELL you can get a "LATTE" any way you want !!

I'll have my coffee black no sugar please !! THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!!! :lotsocoffee:

 

[cld]

One would think you can order a new vehicle any way you want,

HELL you can get a "LATTE" any way you want !!

I'll have my coffee black no sugar please !! THANK YOU VERY MUCH !!!! :lotsocoffee:

You'd think, wouldn't you. It's so GD frustrating. All the ones they're trying to sell me have $10-15k worth of options I don't want. One of the reps I talked to went so far as to say look, the wheels on that R/T are $500 each, you could take 'em off and sell 'em on Ebay. So I said I don't want to mess with that; why won't you take 'em off and reduce the price of the GD car by $2k? Just put some basic plain steel wheels on there, and then YOU sell them to someone who dents their wheels on a curb or something. Or on Ebay if you don't want them piled up in your service dept's inventory. No dice.

 

[commando1]

There are some things I do know as a fact because of "friends".
To order a Persuit vehicle, the buyer has to be approved by Corprate Fleet Sales. Have fun getting past that, even if you have a friend at a dealer who is willing (ha ha ha) to do it for you.
If you are able to BS Fleet Sales you are elligible for a Persuit, have more fun waiting. True municipal sales always have priority because they can run the line for, let's say, 250 identical vehicles right down to the paint. One car? They will keep you at the end of the line until production ends for that year and then all pending orders (yours) are cancled.

I went through this trying to score a new Caprice cop xar in '96 through a friend that owned a taxi and school bus business. He could buy 300 taxi Caprices, vans, etc. We couldn't get one cop car.