The Hamlet Town Council has finalized the purchase of a new police vehicle. Last week, council members agreed to buy a Ford Explorer for almost $36,000.
Council President Dave Kesvormas said it will replace another Explorer that experienced problems. “The turbo went out in it, and when the turbo went out on it, they told us it was under warranty, and then they found the engine and transaxle had issues with it,” Kesvormas explained. “The dealer told us that Ford said they had to take it apart to review it for warranty. They took it apart and then they came back and said Ford wasn’t going to cover it. It’s not covered. So they stuck me with probably a bad engine and a bad vehicle, in the term of it.”
Town officials ultimately determined that it would be cheaper to get a new vehicle than to repair the old one. Kesvormas said there was limited choice in getting a replacement, as carmakers have cut production, due to COVID-19. Hamlet plans to take out a four-year loan, with an interest rate of 3.25 percent. The financing may include the cost of the lights and radio, depending on the town’s budget.
It still remains to be seen what will happen to the old Explorer. Kesvormas said the town has declined the dealer’s trade-in offer, and officials may look at selling it at auction.
