Another FNG...with questions naturally

[NolaTiger0522]

Firstly let me state I have been lurking for a few weeks. This is probably one of the most new guy friendly forums I have ever seen. I am part of a few firearms groups and they range from derpiest of derp all the way to you have to justify your color socks while on patrol because reasons. From what I have seen this is a huge wealth of information and everyone seems eager to help out, so thanks in advance.

And now for everyone favorite part: The questions.

1) Ive seen a few dealers thrown around here. Namely Asia motors and Chicago motors. Chicago motors refuses to email me back and generally thats a red flag for me. Asia motors responded in about 5 mins on a sunday. They're closed on sunday. There's also sunshine auto mall in florida. I assume since Asia motors has been mentioned so much they are a fairly reputable company correct? I'm under the impression that they are just flipping auction vehicles and really aren't doing much in the way of changing fluids etc? I ask because its a 12 hr drive from there back home and I'd hate to have a huge mechanical issue on the way back before I can get it in the garage.

2) I have both tahoe ppv and ssv spec sheets in front of me. The only difference number wise is 2wd vs 4wd. I read in another post that the ppv was lowered. However the spec sheet says they are exactly the same height. Am I missing something difference wise? Otherwise minus the speed governor it seems they are identical.

3) I didn't see this posted but are captains chairs an option in place of the second row bench ? To clarify is this something that can be done without significant modification like welding etc? Speaking of chairs if I wanted a third row it looks like the mounts are already there all you have to do is drop the third row seat in right?

4) Are 1:1 replacement parts easy to come by? I have read that the alternator, radiator, and brakes, and suspension components are more heavy duty on ssv\ppv tahoes when compared to the standard tahoes sold to the general public. If I need to replace something I'd like to be able to replace it with the same part number or something that is appreciably "better" vs the part that is in the standard version.

I'm sure I will have others as time goes on. I am turning this into my daily driver so I am sure it will be a fun project. I have a buddy who has a 2010 tahoe that has all the bells and whistles. After driving that and a yukon XL for work I was sold. My previous job I was driving an explorer interceptor and while it was quick the Tahoe seems to be more reliable and have less risk of suffocating me with carbon monoxide lol.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

Firstly let me state I have been lurking for a few weeks. This is probably one of the most new guy friendly forums I have ever seen. I am part of a few firearms groups and they range from derpiest of derp all the way to you have to justify your color socks while on patrol because reasons. From what I have seen this is a huge wealth of information and everyone seems eager to help out, so thanks in advance.

And now for everyone favorite part: The questions.

1) Ive seen a few dealers thrown around here. Namely Asia motors and Chicago motors. Chicago motors refuses to email me back and generally thats a red flag for me. Asia motors responded in about 5 mins on a sunday. They're closed on sunday. There's also sunshine auto mall in florida. I assume since Asia motors has been mentioned so much they are a fairly reputable company correct? I'm under the impression that they are just flipping auction vehicles and really aren't doing much in the way of changing fluids etc? I ask because its a 12 hr drive from there back home and I'd hate to have a huge mechanical issue on the way back before I can get it in the garage.

2) I have both tahoe ppv and ssv spec sheets in front of me. The only difference number wise is 2wd vs 4wd. I read in another post that the ppv was lowered. However the spec sheet says they are exactly the same height. Am I missing something difference wise? Otherwise minus the speed governor it seems they are identical.

3) I didn't see this posted but are captains chairs an option in place of the second row bench ? To clarify is this something that can be done without significant modification like welding etc? Speaking of chairs if I wanted a third row it looks like the mounts are already there all you have to do is drop the third row seat in right?

4) Are 1:1 replacement parts easy to come by? I have read that the alternator, radiator, and brakes, and suspension components are more heavy duty on ssv\ppv tahoes when compared to the standard tahoes sold to the general public. If I need to replace something I'd like to be able to replace it with the same part number or something that is appreciably "better" vs the part that is in the standard version.

I'm sure I will have others as time goes on. I am turning this into my daily driver so I am sure it will be a fun project. I have a buddy who has a 2010 tahoe that has all the bells and whistles. After driving that and a yukon XL for work I was sold. My previous job I was driving an explorer interceptor and while it was quick the Tahoe seems to be more reliable and have less risk of suffocating me with carbon monoxide lol.

Being from Chicago, I can speak to #1. Chicago motors, Asia motors, and welcome motors are all pretty much the same. All police /govt vehicles. I have been in person to all of them, and don't think I'd put one above the others. You can get them all to put in a jump seat where the console is gone, thoroughly clean the canine units, etc. They all have decent mechanics that I can tell, but noting special. I can't say I'm surprised about no return email from Chicago. They are the most well known and move trucks the fastest, so they probably don't put the effort into chasing your business. I'd check them all against each other inventory wise. I do think Asia usually is the lowest piece.

 

[ibfreeman88]

I personally would avoid Asia motors due to my experience. I purchased my
Tahoe from their not expecting it to be perfect by any means but they definitely use pictures to their advantage for someone like me who bought it unseen since I live in VA. Arrived with holes that were covered with white tape so it wasn't visible in photos. A tire that was leaking air and a tire light on as well as a oil filter that let me know the oil hadn't been changed in two years. They are pretty much a buy,lick and promise wash and put it on the lot dealership. I had a friend who purchased from Chicago motors due to me telling him about my experience and they were willing to send him pictures of stuff that you couldn't see in pictures but they may make one consider not buying a vehicle, just seemed like a more legit group but that's just my .02 cents.

 

[iamdub]

Firstly let me state I have been lurking for a few weeks. This is probably one of the most new guy friendly forums I have ever seen. I am part of a few firearms groups and they range from derpiest of derp all the way to you have to justify your color socks while on patrol because reasons. From what I have seen this is a huge wealth of information and everyone seems eager to help out, so thanks in advance.

And now for everyone favorite part: The questions.

1) Ive seen a few dealers thrown around here. Namely Asia motors and Chicago motors. Chicago motors refuses to email me back and generally thats a red flag for me. Asia motors responded in about 5 mins on a sunday. They're closed on sunday. There's also sunshine auto mall in florida. I assume since Asia motors has been mentioned so much they are a fairly reputable company correct? I'm under the impression that they are just flipping auction vehicles and really aren't doing much in the way of changing fluids etc? I ask because its a 12 hr drive from there back home and I'd hate to have a huge mechanical issue on the way back before I can get it in the garage.

2) I have both tahoe ppv and ssv spec sheets in front of me. The only difference number wise is 2wd vs 4wd. I read in another post that the ppv was lowered. However the spec sheet says they are exactly the same height. Am I missing something difference wise? Otherwise minus the speed governor it seems they are identical.

3) I didn't see this posted but are captains chairs an option in place of the second row bench ? To clarify is this something that can be done without significant modification like welding etc? Speaking of chairs if I wanted a third row it looks like the mounts are already there all you have to do is drop the third row seat in right?

4) Are 1:1 replacement parts easy to come by? I have read that the alternator, radiator, and brakes, and suspension components are more heavy duty on ssv\ppv tahoes when compared to the standard tahoes sold to the general public. If I need to replace something I'd like to be able to replace it with the same part number or something that is appreciably "better" vs the part that is in the standard version.

I'm sure I will have others as time goes on. I am turning this into my daily driver so I am sure it will be a fun project. I have a buddy who has a 2010 tahoe that has all the bells and whistles. After driving that and a yukon XL for work I was sold. My previous job I was driving an explorer interceptor and while it was quick the Tahoe seems to be more reliable and have less risk of suffocating me with carbon monoxide lol.

1) No experience, can't comment

2) 2WD PPV is lowered, and allegedly with Pedders springs. I think it's only 1.5" or so and the additional drop is from the smaller tire diameter.

3) I can't verify but I can say that this conversion has been documented plenty of times on this forum so I'm sure it's a bolt-in deal

4) Correct replacement parts are just as easy to find and buy as standard parts. You just have to buy from the better suppliers as some list parts as fitting "all" models, standard and PPV. Wile this is technically true, you wanna be sure you're getting PPV/SSV-equivalent parts and not downgrade to standard parts that just "fit".

 

[RichardCranium]

I believe the PPV is 1" lower, iirc.

If you get one, do yourself a favor and put a better tire on it. I went with Continentals with a little taller of a sidewall, it made all the difference in the world with the ride. I ended up lowering mine a bit more than PPV height also, but I did it "right" with a full Belltech kit. I daily drive mine, and absolutely love it.......especially for what I paid for it.

 

[NolaTiger0522]

Thanks for all the replies everyone! Looking forward to dumping money into a project and getting yelled at by my girlfriend lol

 

[CrashTestDummy]

We've had pretty good luck with Cop Cars Online. I get NOTHING for this, but here's a link to their site:

https://www.copcarsonline.com/inventory.aspx?sold=0&pagesize=50

We got our 2010 PPV and our 2012 9C1 from them. The vehicles were pretty much as they said they were. They shipped both to us via transporter. They have neither in stock at the moment, they seem to go pretty quickly, so keep checking back.

The holes in the body were covered with plastic caps, and the push bar holes in the front bumper cover of the Caprice was covered with black tape, which I didn't notice when originally looking at the pictures (they ARE visible, you just don't see them if you're not looking for them), but could tell after I saw the car in person.

The Tahoe was a local Florida supervisor's truck. The Caprice was a patrol car with the Wisconsin Highway Patrol. Both have been great vehicles.

 

[jmm121783]

I bought my truck from Asia, they are definitely not "mechanics" they band-aid all issues to the best of their ability. You can haggle them down a little but but like a typical used car salesman, 10% would be a god send if you got it.

I wanted to buy from Chicago Motors SOOOOOOO bad, but they would respond to a single damn email. It was very upsetting. Either way I am happy with my truck!

 

[sanco]

I bought my first used police car from Asia motors, I purchased my second from Chicago and helped a couple friends buy theirs from Chicago motors as well. I would never do business with asia motors again. Chicago motors was nice to work with and accomodating to negotiating certain extras into the purchase.

What i would HIGHLY recommend is going to see the cars in person. How clean a car looks tells you how well a department took care of it. Paying attention to wiring that was taken out, paint, roof plugs, and small little details tells you how well their maintenance was performed. Go over EVERYTHING carefully, a bad purchase of a former police vehicle can cost you big time in the long run.

Never ever believe the sales line of the vehicle being a "chief's car" or a "fed car" or highway patrol, its all mostly crap. Always assume it was a full out hard used patrol vehicle. Also, carfax will not show fleet damage, anything damaged and repaired through police motorpool will not show as an accident.