El Mirage council approves purchase of three 2026 Ford police Explorers and two 2025 Toyota Camrys
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Summary
Council approved replacing aging police vehicles with three 2026 Ford police Interceptor Explorers and two 2025 Toyota Camry dual-purpose vehicles under state contracts, citing seized engines and maintenance concerns on older units.
The El Mirage Common Council on Oct. 21 approved purchases to refresh the city’s fleet for public safety and administrative functions: three 2026 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor units for the police vehicle replacement program and two 2025 Toyota Camry dual-purpose vehicles for administrative and covert uses.
A police representative told the council the purchases respond to significant wear and engine issues in older units, including seized engines on some vehicles. The council approved buying three 2026 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor units from Peoria Ford under Arizona contract CTR 59322 for a total not to exceed $249,000 (including $243,427.71 in base price and $5,572.29 contingency).
The council also approved buying two 2025 Toyota Camry dual-purpose vehicles from Larry H. Miller under Arizona contract CTR70729 for a total not to exceed $68,000 (including $65,732.96 plus $2,267.04 contingency). Staff said the Camrys would serve as administrative and covert surveillance-capable vehicles and would replace older unmarked Crown Victorias.
Council Member Aldridge raised questions about which vehicles would be retired, mileage and maintenance costs, and what the city does with removed equipment. The police representative explained the city follows a procedure to strip sensitive and emergency equipment from retired vehicles and typically repurposes radios and other compatible equipment; non-compatible parts are scrapped or sent to auction.
Regarding the Ford Explorers, the staff presentation showed fleet metrics including driven mileage and engine idle hours; the representative said two older vehicles have seized engines attributed to model-year design issues on certain Chevy Tahoes. Staff described the Police Interceptor Explorer as fuel-efficient, widely supported by available equipment, and easier to outfit with the needed wiring harnesses and fixtures.
Vice Mayor Parsons moved the Explorer purchase and Council Member Dorsey seconded; the council approved the request by voice vote. Parsons also moved the Camry purchase, seconded by Dorsey; the council approved that purchase as well.
