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When Auburn Police Department replaces their fleet, those Ford Interceptors don’t just disappear. They end up at auction—or with us.
You’re not buying a worn-out patrol car someone beat up and forgot about. You’re getting a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor that passed a 75 mph rear-impact crash test, came standard with all-wheel drive, and was maintained on a schedule most personal vehicles never see. These aren’t civilian Explorers with a light bar bolted on. Ford builds them differently from the ground up.
The 3.5L EcoBoost engine outperformed V8 competitors in Michigan State Police testing. The suspension, cooling system, and brakes were all upgraded to handle extended idle times and high-speed driving. That’s not marketing talk—it’s how Ford got 63% of the police vehicle market.
Most of our inventory comes straight from government fleets we work with directly. You’ll see service records when they’re available. You’ll know what you’re buying before you commit.
State Surplus Auto Sales was started by someone who spent over 25 years in law enforcement. Carmen Yannuzzi watched well-maintained government vehicles go to auction and saw an opportunity to connect buyers with cars that still had plenty of life left.
We’re based in Newark, NJ, but we serve buyers across New York—including Auburn. If you can’t make the trip, we provide detailed photos and vehicle information online. We also offer 0% interest financing to everyone, regardless of credit score, because we know that’s often the biggest barrier between you and a reliable vehicle.
We don’t use pushy sales tactics. You’re here because you’re smart enough to know a Ford Police Interceptor Utility offers more value than a comparable used SUV at a franchise dealer. We’re just here to make that process straightforward.
Start by browsing our current inventory online. We list Ford Crown Interceptors, Ford Explorer Police Interceptors, and other government fleet vehicles as they become available. Prices typically range from $5,500 to $25,000 depending on year, mileage, and condition.
Once you find something that fits your budget, reach out. We’ll answer your questions, provide additional photos if needed, and go over the vehicle’s history. If it came from a department we work with directly, we’ll have more detailed records. If it came through auction, we’ll tell you that too.
Financing is available at 0% interest regardless of your credit situation. No games, no markups. If you’re trading in a vehicle, we’ll give you a fair number—we’re known for offering more on trade-ins while still selling for less than most dealers.
You can pick up the vehicle in Newark or arrange transport to Auburn. Either way, you’re driving away in a Ford Interceptor that was built to handle whatever you throw at it.
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Every Ford Police Interceptor we sell came from a government fleet. That means it was spec’d for durability, not comfort. Heavy-duty cloth seats instead of leather. Reinforced suspension. Upgraded cooling systems. These aren’t luxury SUVs—they’re work vehicles built to run hard for years.
Most of our inventory includes all-wheel drive as standard. The Intelligent AWD system helps with handling on wet roads and gravel—useful if you’re dealing with Auburn winters or rural routes around Cayuga County. Hybrid models are becoming more common too, offering better fuel economy during city driving and idle time.
You’ll find model years ranging from 2013 to 2023. Mileage varies, but remember that highway miles and fleet maintenance matter more than the odometer number. A 2016 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor with 80,000 miles and documented oil changes is a better buy than a 2018 civilian Explorer with 60,000 miles and no service records.
Pricing is straightforward. Nationwide, the average price for a used police Interceptor is around $15,400. We’ve seen them as low as $3,500 at auction and as high as $25,000 for low-mileage recent models. You’re typically looking at 20-30% below what a comparable civilian Explorer would cost at a traditional dealer.
They’re more reliable than most people assume, but you need to understand what you’re buying. Police vehicles idle a lot—sometimes for entire shifts. They also see occasional high-speed driving and frequent stop-and-go use. Ford builds the Interceptor to handle that.
The cooling system is upgraded to manage extended idle times. The transmission, brakes, and suspension are all heavy-duty components. Oil changes happened on schedule because fleet managers don’t mess around with maintenance. You’re not getting a pampered vehicle, but you’re also not getting something that was neglected.
The bigger question is mileage and maintenance records. A 2015 Interceptor with 90,000 miles and full service history is a safer bet than a civilian vehicle with unknown maintenance. Annual repair costs average around $1,160 for these vehicles—higher than a typical midsize SUV at $573, but you’re also starting at a much lower purchase price. If you’re handy or have a trusted mechanic, the math works in your favor.
Ford doesn’t just take a civilian Explorer and add police equipment. The Police Interceptor Utility is a separate build with significant mechanical and structural differences. The frame is reinforced to pass a 75 mph rear-impact crash test—something civilian models aren’t designed for.
The suspension is stiffer and more durable. The brakes are heavy-duty. The cooling system is upgraded to handle the demands of idling with all the electronics running. The electrical system is beefed up to support lights, radios, computers, and other equipment. Even the seats are different—heavy-duty cloth instead of standard upholstery.
Performance-wise, the 3.5L EcoBoost engine in the Interceptor is tuned for pursuit driving. Michigan State Police testing showed it outperforming V8-powered competitors. All-wheel drive is standard, not optional. You’re looking at a vehicle that can hit 130-150 mph if needed, though most departments govern them lower. It’s built for a job that demands more than daily commuting, and that durability carries over when you own it.
Yes. We offer 0% interest financing to all customers regardless of credit score. That’s not a promotional rate or a limited-time offer—it’s how we do business.
Most people with credit challenges get stuck paying high interest rates that make an affordable vehicle unaffordable over time. We’ve removed that barrier entirely. You’re financing the vehicle at zero percent, which means your monthly payment is just the purchase price divided by the number of months.
This matters in Auburn, where the median household income is around $49,000 and 20% of residents live below the poverty line. Reliable transportation shouldn’t be out of reach because of past financial difficulties. We also give fair trade-in values, often more than other dealers, which can reduce what you need to finance. The goal is to get you into a dependable Ford Interceptor without the usual financing headaches.
Pricing depends on year, mileage, and condition, but you’re generally looking at $5,500 to $25,000. The nationwide average is around $15,400. Auction prices for Interceptor SUVs average about $7,000, though competition can drive that higher.
A 2013-2015 model with higher mileage might start around $6,000 to $10,000. A 2018-2020 with lower miles could run $18,000 to $23,000. The newest models from 2021-2023 are at the top end, but still thousands below what you’d pay for a civilian Explorer with similar mileage.
Compare that to retail pricing for used Explorers in the Auburn area, which often start at $20,000 and climb quickly for newer years. You’re saving 20-30% by buying a former police vehicle, and you’re getting a more durable platform in the process. The trade-off is cosmetic—expect some wear on the interior and possibly holes from equipment mounts. But mechanically, you’re ahead of the game if the vehicle was maintained properly.
Start with maintenance records. If the vehicle came directly from a department, there should be documentation of oil changes, brake work, and other routine service. Fleet vehicles are maintained on schedule because downtime costs money. If records aren’t available, that’s not necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s a question mark.
Check the mileage against the year. Higher miles aren’t always bad—highway miles are easier on a vehicle than city miles, and police vehicles see both. Look at the overall condition. Some wear on the seats and interior is normal. Holes from equipment mounts are common. What you don’t want to see is evidence of neglect—fluid leaks, unusual noises, or deferred maintenance.
Ask where the vehicle came from. We work directly with departments and also buy at auction. Direct purchases usually come with more history. Auction vehicles are more of a gamble, though we inspect everything before we sell it. Finally, consider what you need the vehicle for. If you’re looking for a reliable SUV with AWD and strong performance, a Ford Explorer Police Interceptor checks those boxes at a price point that’s hard to beat.
Not great, but not terrible either—and the hybrid models help. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine in most Interceptors prioritizes power over efficiency. You’re looking at around 16-18 mpg in mixed driving, maybe 20-22 on the highway. That’s lower than a civilian Explorer, which gets closer to 20 city / 28 highway.
The hybrid Police Interceptor Utility, which became more common in recent years, offers better fuel economy—especially in city driving and during idle time. The lithium-ion battery assists the engine during low-speed operation, which is where police vehicles spend a lot of time. Real-world numbers vary, but you’re looking at a noticeable improvement over the non-hybrid version.
Fuel costs matter, especially if you’re commuting or using the vehicle for work. But remember, you’re starting with a purchase price that’s thousands below a comparable civilian SUV. Even with slightly worse gas mileage, the total cost of ownership often works out in your favor. If fuel economy is a priority, ask about hybrid models in our inventory—they’re becoming easier to find as more departments make the switch.
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