An Illinois police department recently chose to purchase a used patrol vehicle for its fleet. As the supply chain crisis continues, public sector fleets have been forced to adjust to long delivery times for new vehicles. That led the Saratoga Police Department to explore alternative options.

During a recent town council meeting, KTGA reported that Saratoga Police Chief Mike Morris reported that the department needed a new SUV. He noted that if the department were to purchase a new vehicle, it would take more than six months to receive it.

Benefits to Buying Used

Saratoga Police Lt. John Moore reported an additional option: he found a pre-owned 2020 AWD Dodge Durangospecial service vehicle with relatively low mileage. The vehicle was already configured for law enforcement use. Aside from needing a lightbar color change and computer mount installed, the vehicle already contained the required police equipment.

The vehicle also had time remaining on its factory warranty, allowing the department to rely on the warranty to cover repair costs.

The department also found a second Durango in the same condition, and weighed whether to purchase it as well due to recent repairs to other fleet vehicles. The town council decided to only allow one vehicle purchase.

The department received the Durango on Aug. 15.