Sheriff’s Department Saves Money with Used SUVs
Hats off to the Park County Sheriff’s Department in Colorado for having the common sense to buy used SUVs to replace aging SUVs in the fleet. The Park County Republican and Fairplay Flume (what a great name for a newspaper) reports the department is buying three used Durangos with 10,000 to 30,000 miles on the odometer to replace vehicles with 125,000 to 130,000 miles. In the article, Park County Undersheriff Monte Gore says, “We are trying to be as absolutely cost-effective as we can with our purchases.”
The used SUVs are costing $43,700, while new Durangos would have cost about $90,000. Didn’t the Defense Department once pay $90,000 for a toilet seat? (Just kidding.) Seriously, my hat is off to the Park County sheriff for saving taxpayers money by buying used.
By the way, if you want to be as smart as this sheriff, check out my tips on buying a used SUV at 15% below list price.
2006 Dodge Durango © Chrysler LLC
I’m amazed more government operations don’t pursue similar measures. Especially now that we’re in a recession (or whatever you want to call the current crippling economic downturn), it just makes sense.
Tim,
You’re absolutely right. There’s a mentality out there that everything has to be bought new by government, which doesn’t make a lick of sense. Government at all levels could save a lot of money by going to used car auctions, for example, and procuring vehicles that way.
Keith
Your Guide to Used Cars
Our Sheriff’s dept also buys used suvs and pick ups. They usually go to Denver to get better deals than here in this small county. I disagree with that, but still were saving money even if the money is going to colorado!