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You’re not buying someone’s neglected trade-in. These are Ford Police Interceptors and similar models that were maintained on strict schedules by government fleets. They’ve seen heavy use, sure, but they were also built to handle it.
The mileage will be higher than a typical used car. Expect 100,000 to 150,000 miles in most cases. But here’s what matters more: these vehicles have upgraded suspensions, heavy-duty brakes, reinforced frames, and engines designed for constant operation. The civilian version of a Ford Explorer comes with a 300-horsepower 4-cylinder. The Police Interceptor Utility base model has a 285-horsepower V6. All-wheel drive is standard.
You’re getting a vehicle that was built to chase down problems, not create them. Parts are easy to find because these are based on common models. Insurance can sometimes be tricky, so call your provider before you buy. But if you need a tough, reliable vehicle and you’re working with a tight budget, this is one of the smartest moves you can make.
We started State Surplus Auto Sales over 20 years ago after spending years in law enforcement and seeing good vehicles being auctioned off for a fraction of what they were worth. We’re still here because we focus on one thing: getting well-maintained government vehicles into the hands of people who need them.
We’re located at 833 Broadway in the Newark metro area, just outside Woodbridge. We don’t use pushy sales tactics because we don’t need to. The vehicles speak for themselves. If you’ve got no credit or bad credit, we still work with you. Zero percent interest financing is available to everyone, regardless of credit score.
You’re not walking into a typical dealership. You’re working with people who understand these vehicles inside and out.
First, you visit our lot or browse what’s available. We carry Ford Police Interceptors, Dodge Charger Police models, and other retired law enforcement vehicles. Each one has been through government fleet use, which means it was maintained regularly and retired when the department upgraded or hit mileage thresholds.
You’ll see the vehicle in person. You’ll know the mileage. You’ll see any cosmetic wear from equipment that was installed and removed. We’re not hiding anything. These aren’t showroom cars. They’re work vehicles that still have a lot of life left.
Once you find something that fits your needs, we talk financing. Zero percent interest, no matter your credit situation. You fill out the paperwork, and if everything checks out, you drive off the lot. No games. No surprises. Just a straightforward transaction with a vehicle that’s priced well below retail and built to last longer than most cars in its class.
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We specialize in used police cruisers and police interceptor SUVs. That means Ford Police Interceptor Utilities, Dodge Charger Police models, and similar vehicles that were used by law enforcement agencies and are now available to the public.
In Woodbridge and the surrounding Newark area, demand for these vehicles has been climbing. With tariffs and economic uncertainty driving up new car prices in 2026, more people are looking for affordable, reliable options. A retired cop car checks both boxes. You’re getting a vehicle with a proven track record, heavy-duty components, and a price that’s thousands below comparable civilian models.
Most of our inventory includes all-wheel drive, which matters in New Jersey winters. You’re also getting vehicles with reinforced frames, upgraded cooling systems, and police-calibrated brakes. These aren’t luxury cars, but they’re not supposed to be. They’re built for durability and performance under tough conditions.
If you’re a rideshare driver, a small business owner, or someone who just needs a second vehicle that won’t quit, this is worth your time. We’re not selling you a dream. We’re selling you a vehicle that does the job.
The number one reason people buy retired cop cars is price. You can get a solid, running vehicle for a few thousand dollars less than a comparable civilian model. But price isn’t the only reason these are popular.
Police vehicles are maintained on strict schedules. Many have newer engines, transmissions, or tires installed shortly before retirement. They’re built to handle long hours, high speeds, and rough conditions. The Ford Police Interceptor Utility, for example, has an upgraded suspension, heavy-duty brakes, and structural reinforcements that aren’t found on the civilian Explorer.
Yes, the mileage will be high. Yes, there will be cosmetic wear. But if you’re looking for a vehicle that’s been proven in real-world conditions and you’re comfortable with higher miles, this is one of the smartest buys you can make. Just make sure you check with your insurance company first, as some providers have specific policies for former law enforcement vehicles.
Most retired police vehicles have between 100,000 and 150,000 miles, sometimes more. That’s higher than the average used car, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. These vehicles also rack up a lot of idle hours, which means the engine was running while the car wasn’t moving. That can add wear that the odometer doesn’t show.
Here’s what balances that out: these are fleet vehicles that were maintained by professionals. Oil changes, brake replacements, tire rotations—all of it was done on schedule. Many departments replace major components before auctioning off the vehicle, so you might be getting a car with a relatively new transmission or engine despite the high mileage.
Cosmetically, expect some wear. There will be holes or marks from where equipment was mounted. The interior might show signs of heavy use. But mechanically, these vehicles are built to outlast most civilian cars in the same class. If you’re okay with a few scratches and you prioritize performance and reliability over appearance, you’re in good shape.
Yes. We offer zero percent interest financing to all customers, regardless of credit score. No credit, bad credit—it doesn’t matter. We work with you.
This isn’t a promotional rate that disappears after six months. It’s a flat zero percent interest loan available to everyone. That’s rare in the used car market, especially for buyers with credit challenges. Most dealerships either turn you away or charge interest rates that make the car unaffordable.
We don’t operate that way. We’ve been in business since 2003, and we’ve built our reputation on making quality vehicles accessible to people who need them. If you’re worried about getting approved, don’t be. Come in, talk to us, and we’ll figure out a payment plan that works for your budget.
A police interceptor isn’t just a regular car with a paint job. It’s a purpose-built vehicle designed to handle extreme conditions. The Ford Police Interceptor Utility, for example, has a more powerful engine than the civilian Explorer—a 285-horsepower V6 compared to a 300-horsepower 4-cylinder in the base retail model. It also comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
Beyond the engine, you’re getting heavy-duty components across the board. Upgraded suspension for better handling during high-speed pursuits. Police-calibrated brakes for improved stopping power. Reinforced frames and crash-tested enhancements that exceed civilian safety standards. Even the cooling system is beefed up to handle long idle times and constant operation.
The downside? The interior is stripped down. You won’t get luxury features or high-end electronics. But that also means fewer things to break. If you want a vehicle that’s simple, tough, and built to last, a police interceptor delivers. And because these are based on common models like the Ford Explorer or Dodge Charger, parts are easy to find and affordable.
Most insurance companies will cover a retired police vehicle, but some have specific policies or restrictions. Before you buy, call your insurance provider and ask. Let them know the make, model, and VIN if possible. Some insurers hesitate because these vehicles were used in law enforcement, but many will cover them without issue.
If your current provider won’t cover it or charges a higher premium, shop around. There are insurers who specialize in former fleet vehicles and understand that a well-maintained police car is often safer and more reliable than a typical used car.
The key is to do this before you buy, not after. You don’t want to purchase a vehicle and then find out your insurance company won’t cover it. A quick phone call upfront saves you a lot of headaches later. And if you run into issues, we can point you toward insurers who work with these types of vehicles regularly.
You could go to an auction and try to buy directly, but you’re taking on more risk. At an auction, you’re often buying sight unseen or with very limited inspection time. You don’t know the vehicle’s history, and you’re competing against dealers who do this for a living.
When you buy from us, you’re getting a vehicle we’ve already inspected and evaluated. You can see it in person, ask questions, and take your time deciding. We’ve been sourcing government surplus vehicles since 2003, and we know what to look for. We’re not flipping random cars—we specialize in this.
You also get financing options you won’t find at an auction. Zero percent interest, regardless of credit score. No pressure, no games, just a straightforward transaction with people who know these vehicles inside and out. If you want the benefits of a retired police car without the uncertainty of an auction, this is the smarter move.
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