I picked this vehicle up myself from it's former home, shown above. When I arrived, the fire chief himself, nice guy named Ernie, was outside washing the vehicle ... on a
rainy day! He proceeded to have his guys check tire pressure and all fluids before letting me drive off. They did not have to do this - vehicle was already bought and paid for.
I write this just to illustrate that this vehicle has been in the capable and caring hands of the station where it served. It was stored indoors in the building behind it, and this station (in particular) clearly takes excellent care of their vehicles.
Also, in speaking with Ernie, I inquired him about this vehicle's replacement (as this 2003 was retired due to 20 year age limit), about funding for this type of equipment, etc. These vehicles cost over $250,000 when they are purchased for service. When these vehicles are retired from service, we gain access to all that function and value at a tiny fraction of it's true cost. I kind of view the idea of civilians buying these as a kind of hack to get some of our tax dollars back
I am convinced that the ambulance platform is the no-brainer base for an expedition vehicle. If I didn't own several others, I would be keeping this one and converting it to resell for profit. But right now I have too little time, and too little money, so this untouched beauty becomes available to the highest bidder until I change my mind.
Cheers
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