I used to be a police car buff, in a way, and during my research, i realized the word interceptor was just a badge that Ford used on their police version of the Crown vic. The only cars I know of that were police cars, that would have anything in common with the PA, would be the Impala, Lumina, and anything else with a 3800 V6 drivetrain. Most, if not all of these, were cars that originally came equipped with a 3100 or a 3400 engine, and the police versions had the 3800 for more power. I have never seen one with a supercharged 3800. To say to me, it has an interceptor in it, I would expect there's a Crown Vic in the trunk.
If the PA was used for police work, I have to wonder if there were any upgrades done at the factory that distinguishes it from a civilian PA. I know the Caprice I owned was built with a wealth of police options that made it a better car.
In any event, as a wise buyer, anything police used, may have been used hard, and therefore, might be worn and beaten. On average, 1 out of 20 police cars was pampered and well maintained, and most were abused.
As for averall inspecting of a used cars, always look for oil leaks. Listen to the engine when it is cold, and pay attention to changes in sounds as it warms up. Check all the fluids, and pay attention to the color and/or smell of the transmission fluid and engine oil. Any water in any fluids is a bad thing. The PA's suspension is wonderful when it's in good shape, but a sagging or bouncy suspension might cost a small fortune if parts are worn and weakened. Listen to see if the self leveling pump goes on......you'll hear it buzzing in the trunk area. It should go on for several seconds. If it runs and runs and seems to run too much, you probably have a problem starting with the rear strutts. this is easily missed. Since the PA has many options, I think it is worth while to go through as many as possible, because there might be shorts you don't see at first. I had a small issue with my '97 that grew in time, and was what i called a "phantom" problem. It would come and go as it pleased, and was hard to find. Don't be shy...get on the ground and have a thorough look under the car. this is usually a good indicator of the overall condition. If the rocker panels are rotting at all, I think a lot of other parts will soon follow. Under the engine, take notice to see of the oil pans are dented at all. Have a good look at the transmission lines and power steering lines while you're there. a partially crushed line can be a problem, especially in colder climates. If you test the radio in a car, shut it off, or lower the volume when you test drive it. So many sounds might be apparent, and many times people feel the ride, and listen to music. I suggest you listen to the car instead. If possible, take the car on a highway, or 55 mph zone, as many problems become more apparent at those speeds, especially steering and suspension problems, as well as the chugging feeling some people feel when going into overdrive on the 3800 drivetrains. Pay attention to the shift points.
That's all i can think of right now. good luck on your purchase. The folks here helped me decide to buy my car a month or so ago.
Sam B.
Tonawanda, New York.
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Originally Posted by gamelovers11223
Hi everyone. I want to buy a 1998 Buick Park Avenu Ultra. Recently I found one, 108K/Mi, Green, Sunroof, two rips on the drivers seat and the guy told me that he has a police interceptor in it, also the fuel gauge doesn't work.
The price is $3600. What is the police interceptor in PA Ultra? I know that only LeSabres are used in NYPD but PA?
Also what else should I look for (potential problems) when I go see the car?
Is the price ok for that year and milage?
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