1994 Chevrolet Caprice 9C1 (police package) review from North America

Water pump failed at 88,000 miles (not unexpected).

I replaced the optispark when I replaced the water pump (sensible preventative maintenance since the water pump has to be removed to replace the optispark anyway.)

Front suspension: idler arm, tie rod end.

Brake rotors (front and rear) along with pads.

Pass side rear axle shaft pitted on outer bearing surface. Replaced that and used Felpro RDS 55028-1 diff gasket and I enlarged the two lube holes to ensure that diff lube would get to the outer axle shaft bearings. The outer bearings and seals were also replaced as a precaution.

Shocks worn out. (I replaced the factory Delco units with SEO 8X3 Bilsteins, pn B46-1104 and -0929)

Tires worn out.

This was an ex-police car that had been used in a metro area of Milwaukee WI. So it's not unexpected that it needed a handful of the usual wear-out parts replaced. I was mindful of that when I bought the car, and the car has performed extremely well.

The car is a full size car, but it has a heavy duty suspension and brakes, and the motor (LT1) was tuned specifically so that it has excellent torque to get the big car moving. I have run it on the track with a corrected quarter mile ET and trap of 14.96 sec @ 92.5 MPH. That's outstanding given the size (big) and relatively low cost (it's not an expensive import).

My wife was suspect of the purchase -- until after she drove it a few times. Now she loves it.

Anyone that's somewhat handy with cars, and have Internet access, will love any of the Caprice 9C1 models (either 94-96 with the L99 and LT1 engines) or the pre-1994 models with the LO3 (305) and LO5 (350) because they are all basically the same body-on-frame cars from 1977-1996. The Internet provides a wealth of info on common problems and fixes with these cars.

I would not suggest ANY used police model car to anyone that expects a perfect used car, or to anyone that doesn't work on their own car. You might not be happy with it.