Purchasing a Tahoe PPV

[RichardCranium]

Geez, I guess I got ripped off paying 11k for my 2011 with 179k on it, 7 antenna holes, 3 water leaks and all the usual interior butchering. I have over 2k in interior parts and various knik knacks and its still not 100%. Fortunately it was from Arizona so no rust at all.

I'm in the process of replacing the carpet, drivers seat cover and cushion. I also replaced the dash due to the cracking. That was $400 alone. I'm buried in this vehicle now.

My advice.. Find one that was used for administrative purposes, detective, supervisor etc. unless you get it real cheap, so if you sink a few grand into it, you'll still be ahead.

Wouldn't say you got ripped off, you should still be well under MSRP for a regular base model for that year......as long as it didn't require any major work you should be happy!

I think I got a gem on e-Bay (Chicago Motors) for $11,495. 2009 former MN State Trooper vehicle with 120,000 miles and 6 plugged antenna holes. The back seat looked like it had never been sat in and had full carpeting. It did have some rust issues on the roof that I had repaired at MAACO. It also had some rust on the inside of three doors and rear hatch that I stripped, primed and repainted myself. Its a real beauty that's fun to drive and has been trouble free except for a lower ball joint repair that I also did myself. I wouldn't mind getting another one, black this time.

That is the color of my LT I am trying to sell, anyone who likes that color should buy it!

Damn good looking Hoe! Great find.

We get some good deals in NC. Last time I went they were going for $6500 and in very good condition. Black and silver ones.

Mine is black, I wouldn't mind a silver or dark red like yours

Dang skippy! I recognize your screenname, possibly from other message forums. Ever on Horsepowerjunkies?

Do you happen to know if any of them are 4wd(SSV), I have to have 4wd, just wondering

"asking for a friend" lol

 

[LiLRedWagon]

Thanks for the complement. When I first saw it I had to have it.
Sonoma Jewel Metallic is the color. I think I want to black out the grille.

 

[992dr]

Dang skippy! I recognize your screenname, possibly from other message forums. Ever on Horsepowerjunkies?

Haha, just popped on and saw this post and said to myself, "hey, where have I seen that screen name before" yes sir hpj.

Nice looking Tahoe

 

[SLH350]

We get some good deals in NC. Last time I went they were going for $6500 and in very good condition. Black and silver ones.

Mine is black, I wouldn't mind a silver or dark red like yours

Any particular source? I tried the state troopers surplus vehicles department but they told me they were fresh out of Tahoes.

 

[badandyturbo]

I guess I got lucky in my search. I have a 2013 with 84K. No holes, rust, or damage. Got it from a fleet dealership in Kansas. I'm now at 100K and just did the brakes.

 

[992dr]

Any particular source? I tried the state troopers surplus vehicles department but they told me they were fresh out of Tahoes.

No, state surplus is the location. The last time I was there they had I think 4 or 5 and one sold when were buying my wifes charger. That was roughly about 10 months ago.

I guess I got lucky in my search. I have a 2013 with 84K. No holes, rust, or damage. Got it from a fleet dealership in Kansas. I'm now at 100K and just did the brakes.

You certainly did, every one I saw had more holes than a peg board hahaha. Mine is rust free though and fairly clean. Yeah the drivers seat is torn and the back seat is pleather but with 2 kids and 3 dogs, I'm good for now. I'm planning on a new motor and trans in the near future as well as an update to the interior.

 

[SLH350]

No, state surplus is the location. The last time I was there they had I think 4 or 5 and one sold when were buying my wifes charger. That was roughly about 10 months ago.

Gotcha, I might try a few more times, it sure would be convenient. Otherwise I'll probably snag an Asia motors truck.

 

[992dr]

Gotcha, I might try a few more times, it sure would be convenient. Otherwise I'll probably snag an Asia motors truck.

They have changed the way they sell. They used to sell them out by the fair grounds without any online listings, now they list them on the surplus website. Keep checking on a weekly to monthly basis, they go fast.

 

[SLH350]

They have changed the way they sell. They used to sell them out by the fair grounds without any online listings, now they list them on the surplus website. Keep checking on a weekly to monthly basis, they go fast.

Haha yeah right now it looks like this is all they've got-
https://www.ncstatesurplus.com/ssp-...7fesRRVQ4dZwmZZzc6TKKVQvAwt3ziOtqcqcnTgazHoc=

Little bit too much of a fixer upper.

 

[2011SSVHOE]

I think they will have to pay someone to come and get it.

 

[992dr]

Haha yeah right now it looks like this is all they've got-
https://www.ncstatesurplus.com/ssp-sealedbid/BidItemDetails.aspx?x=6BGfVa8hS5ojMiyefGaKp783F1DAFalJosFSlMM3/TbqObjW7kZYg8t+4l/nV9xAYTJO2TLne2bQ5qq5wcamvQXMxS7azvnuJt858TLIwuaMjnM3vLZSCRtQnWZeWMVzPCC0N3aIsFGX9/u/ZpPL0/Y5a34HDolE+SObApuKjAaM9I+QRA0p7nJKbay0lm93kjr3sbGLUqqi+67NW5CCYgh/qMEbUIe7fesRRVQ4dZwmZZzc6TKKVQvAwt3ziOtqcqcnTgazHoc=

Little bit too much of a fixer upper.

I'd say so, hahaha

I think they will have to pay someone to come and get it.

That's more than likely what's going to happen, haha

 

[bayareadude84]

Here are a couple examples of the interior and the 2nd row bench seats I was referring to. The rest of the vehicle doesn't look quite as bad from the pictures provided. My other question is the wiring and how easily that can be removed or should it be removed at all?

View attachment 80322

View attachment 80323

I know those tahoe's PPV's lol. That's an EX-Chicago Police unit 24/7 beat car. I would AVOID those !!! Yes I have seen them go for CHEAP on public surplus.com, But after your invest $$$ its still a beat up city car


Take it from a guy who has owned over 10 x-cop cars in the past 12 years.


Get a county or state vehicle, NEVER a BEAT TO **** city car


I found one of the "Sources" for Welcome and Chicago motors supply and now looking at some CLEAN 09+ newer low miles PPVs for $6000-7000 !!!!


You REALLY gotta do your research to grab these trucks cheap.


Dave

 

[SLH350]

I know those tahoe's PPV's lol. That's an EX-Chicago Police unit 24/7 beat car. I would AVOID those !!! Yes I have seen them go for CHEAP on public surplus.com, But after your invest $$$ its still a beat up city car


Take it from a guy who has owned over 10 x-cop cars in the past 12 years.


Get a county or state vehicle, NEVER a BEAT TO **** city car


I found one of the "Sources" for Welcome and Chicago motors supply and now looking at some CLEAN 09+ newer low miles PPVs for $6000-7000 !!!!


You REALLY gotta do your research to grab these trucks cheap.


Dave

Nice! Care to share? Haha. I see these Chicago motors cars pop up and I know they're grabbing cheap trucks at auction, fixing minor stuff, washing and waxing and increasing the sale price by a few grand. I know most agencies post on govdeals/gsaauctions/etc but I assume there must be other ways people offload surplus.

 

[RichardCranium]

They have changed the way they sell. They used to sell them out by the fair grounds without any online listings, now they list them on the surplus website. Keep checking on a weekly to monthly basis, they go fast.

If it's on the website, its an auction listing. I think they typically last about a week or so, highest bid submitted to the site wins.

All of the vehicles on the "A line" are 'buy it now'. When you are passing the surplus facility, the big lot is off to the left. The front line of cars is the A line.

 

[992dr]

If it's on the website, its an auction listing. I think they typically last about a week or so, highest bid submitted to the site wins.

All of the vehicles on the "A line" are 'buy it now'. When you are passing the surplus facility, the big lot is off to the left. The front line of cars is the A line.

Thanks man, I couldn't remember exactly how the new process went.
The A line is similar how they sat out in front of the lot at Blue Ridge & Trinity.
First come first serve, they go fast haha.

 

[CobraKing]

I apologize if I'm hijacking the thread here, but what would you guys recommend looking for when purchasing a 2014 Tahoe PPV with about 220,000KM? I'm in Canada and these are former OPP/Highway patrol vehicles.

When looking at the motor, would it be wise to look for excessive engine movement? Belts, pulleys? Anything else?

Additionally what would you'll suggest doing to the vehicle after purchase? Would the list below suffice?

1. Oil change
2. Sparks
3. Transmission fluid change
4. Rear diff. fluid change
5. Air & Cabin filter

Thanks in advance.

 

[992dr]

No need to apologize Aaron, that's why we're here. And welcome aboard, tons of info and some pretty awesome members to.

Being a state vehicle (at least around me) we have a complete history of what was done and when it was completed. While motor mounts seem to be a weak link, I would believe they would have been taken care of by the DPW for that district.

That's not too bad at all for mileage, roughly 136k miles.
I think you have everything covered that you should look at.
What I would add is check your brakes. One of my calipers seems to stick and I found that out when I changed my brakes, no pad left just metal to metal haha.
Other than that, you should be good.

 

[CobraKing]

@992dr thank you for the welcome and the suggestions - will definitely keep it in mind.

One challenge I have is that alot of these vehicles are purchased by BHPH used car dealers so you really have to do your homework as they usually don't provide service records.

I do enjoy wrenching and the fact that the trucks available are '14 MYs with higher mileage is a plus (so they can't have had too many problems).

 

[RichardCranium]

As @992dr stated, the mileage is pretty good on the one you are looking at.

Knowing maintenance history is key to knowing what you will need to tackle when/if you pick one up. Might be worthy to check on that, it could save you some money as some of those services could have just been performed. If there are no records to share, it certainly won't hurt anything to do the normal flushes and changes though.....it'll take away any question you might have about the condition of those fluids, etc.

The biggest thing I would focus on first is the removal of equipment from that service vehicle. Making sure holes in the roof and other body panels are sealed very well from the weather, checking for any removed wiring or even panels to make sure you don't have anything silly laying around.....like a stripped 12V wire dangling. Things should be fairly evident where there was once some sort of equipment. Not sure how "well" these service vehicles are put back together by you, but I think those of us with former NC Highway Patrol vehicles are pretty lucky....as they do a good job on these front line vehicles with removal/reassembly.

 

[CobraKing]

@RichardCranium , thank you for your suggestions too. I'm looking to purchase the truck in the next 2-3 weeks. The one dealer had a truck that fired right up and was parked outside. FWIW, the dealer plugged the holes and it has been raining quite heavily in Ontario but there were no damp smells or signs of leakage on the headliner.

Will definitely take a look for loose wires as you suggested. Thank you again.