IRON MOUNTAIN — After surveying the police vehicle market, Iron Mountain officials have decided to buy two Ford Explorer Interceptors at a cost of about $47,000 each.

The 2026 all-wheel-drive models will come from Gorno Ford in downstate Woodhaven, a pre-qualified vendor under the state’s MiDEAL purchasing program. The quoted price is $48,395 if delivered to Iron Mountain, but the city will likely arrange to pick up the vehicles.

City Manager Jordan Stanchina said the city’s most recent police car purchase was in 2023. The process has become more challenging due to limited inventory and shorter ordering windows, he said.

Jeff Solka, director of police and fire services, said the department has one reliable squad car, plus another with more than 126,000 miles. The city had initially planned vehicle purchases both this year and in 2027, but the city council agreed Monday with Stanchina’s recommendation to buy two now, as the 2027 window won’t open until late fall.

The Interceptors from Gorno should be available in May, Solka said.