Would you buy a 2014 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor?

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Jun 8, 2022
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Location
Lowcountry South Carolina
I am actually not considering this, because its black and its a Ford. However it did intrigue me. I really don't know anything about these. This one appears to be a low mileage model. Owned always in SC so says the carfax - with zero history which I assume is normal for government vehicles. So I am intrigued.

Anyone know what is different about a police version? AWD - 6 cylinder?

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1FM5K8AR2EGA92136


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I drive a 2017 NA 3.5 Explorer for work every day. It has 28k miles.

It's been NEEDY due to corrosion related repairs. Multiple exhaust leaks, suspension and steering joints. Repairs have been expensive.

Engine/trans have been untouched.

It runs and drives well if you expect what it is: a utilitarian vehicle. Otherwise, it's very slow and surprisingly thirsty, which is exasperated by the small fuel tank size. Always needs filled.

It's somewhat handy. It's bigger than a car, but for the mileage it gets, a larger SUV that is more capable and retains better value would do a better job.

Would not buy.
 
I drive a 2017 NA 3.5 Explorer for work every day. It has 28k miles.

It's been NEEDY due to corrosion related repairs. Multiple exhaust leaks, suspension and steering joints. Repairs have been expensive.

Engine/trans have been untouched.

It runs and drives well if you expect what it is: a utilitarian vehicle. Otherwise, it's very slow and surprisingly thirsty, which is exasperated by the small fuel tank size. Always needs filled.

It's somewhat handy. It's bigger than a car, but for the mileage it gets, a larger SUV that is more capable and retains better value would do a better job.

Would not buy.

Are there any cheap repairs anymore?

2020 Explorer owner (current gen) with 45k miles. No issues other than a couple of recalls over the years.

We love the vehicle.
 
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If it's a true Interceptor, it was configured with the Cyclone 3.7L V6 with AWD and 6 spd trans. Usually has the tow package, heavier suspension, upgraded cooling system, and a bigger alternator. Knowing how these things are used, I would probably stay away from it. They idle probably 80-90% of the time, punctuated by WOT runs to catch up to someone late for work or when the Hot to Go sign lights up at Krispy Kreme. All while using the finest water/gas mix the city could find @ $1.50 a gallon. And cleaned? Cops are some of the biggest slobs I've ever seen. Lots of my brothers and sisters had all manner of coffee/drink stains all over everything, including the headliner! Didn't know cops could defy gravity did you? And if you went down an embankment, and were trapped in any of these cars for days, you would NEVER starve due to the leftover french fries, half eaten Slim Jims, and other edible detrius found under the seats. Granted, it's probably maintained at the Public Works shop, but thats kinda iffy too depending on how the mechanics felt about cops. Plenty of stories from our shop where a wheel fell off about 100ft out of the shop bay because the mechanic forgot to tighten the lug nuts, or a Niagra Falls of oil would cascade from the filter that was not tightened properly. Thats why I ALWAYS made good with all of the guys working on my office and would watch everything going on or either jump in and help. Those that took good care of me always got a nice bottle of spirits for Christmas. Now if it was a Crown Vic PI, no hesitation.
 
I also have the 2017 Explorer, same gen as this one. Been mostly a very solid vehicle. Engine and transmission good. A few warranty issues and only one that wasn’t covered (rear bushings I believe). I’m very happy with it, but keep in mind that a 10 year old vehicle is going to start needing repairs…
 
All depends on the price. If it runs great, blows cold air, and the transmission shifts properly why not? For $5,000 under KBB yes, but full KBB absolutely not. I would put a set of brand new Ford or equivalent Limited rims on it, maybe some new carpet, full detail and fluid changes and call it good.
 
Are there any cheap repairs anymore?

2020 Explorer owner (current gen) with 45k miles. No issues other than a couple of recalls over the years.

We love the vehicle.
No, no cheap repairs, ordinary cars tend to cost $500+ just for plugs these days....often 3-5 hours of labor!

Good that you have no issues....until the new Tahoe was released, I liked the Explorer that went to RWD based. I had read somewhere it's designed to sustain a 50 mph rear end collision or something like that....
 
My son bought a new 2020 Explorer with the 3.0 twin turbo ecoboost and AWD. It has well over 100K now and has been a mechanical mess. Engine has been out for a warranty phaser problem. Multiple recalls for all sorts of things. Sunroof leaked, had to be replaced. Very thirsty vehicle. If the PTU on your car hasn't had a gear oil change it will eventually fail.

Don't buy it.
 
Some police vehicles can be plagued with electrical gremlins. This is due to electrical system modifications to accommodate things like computers, roof lights, spotlights, sirens, etc.
Jay Leno bought the last Charger PPV, and they showed in the trunk, it had a huge pigtail if you will that is for the police electronics....unused in his application/car
 
I am actually not considering this, because its black and its a Ford. However it did intrigue me. I really don't know anything about these. This one appears to be a low mileage model. Owned always in SC so says the carfax - with zero history which I assume is normal for government vehicles. So I am intrigued.

Anyone know what is different about a police version? AWD - 6 cylinder?

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/1FM5K8AR2EGA92136


View attachment 233050
original window sticker is available in that link - as for the Differences between the "civilian" Models, and the PPV...
PPV :
3.7 V6, Flex Fuel, AWD, Key locks on both front doors and lift gate, Column shifter, single zone climate, Vinyl floors, Special "police" Brakes and tires, "certified calibration" Speedometer, Hour Meter in the Odometer, and instead of the 3rd row seat, there's an X Brace, that in concert with the spare tire, enables the passenger cell to withstand a 75mph rear collision.
Civilian:
3.5l v6, Flex/not, fwd/awd, only key lock on the outside is the Drivers door, Console shift, up to 3 zone climate control, 3 rows of seating, no X Brace
 
I don't know if you're sold on a used Ford SUV police vehicle, but this guy has pages of BRAND NEW Dodge Police SUV's for sale. He also stocks Chevrolet's and Ram's.... All brand new.

https://www.policepursuitvehicles.com/inventory/new/Dodge/Durango/?

didn't OH have a huge problem with Durangos....

It was Indiana. However, it probably is only a matter of time until Ohio and many other states that added them to their fleets do.

In regards to the original query, not even on a double dog dare bet.
and guess where that Dealer is located...
 
Over the past 2-3 years, I’ve noticed a shift in police agencies. They’ve been moving to the Chevrolet Tahoe for a variety of reasons. The one thing that sticks out is just how gutless the Explorer is when loaded with all the police gear, and lack of space for arrestees of the hoodie brigades’.
 
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