nickmatic

Thanks, Scott. Trying to be rational about this and not get too excited

Thanks. Yeah I hope this isn't hurting me having this stuff out here, but really I think I need to learn more than I need to get the most amazing deal. The seller wants way more than what the plane is worth, so I'm just trying to get a handle on what it really is worth so I can have that conversation with them. In the end, I'll be happy with any decently equipped 252, and there are several out there.

Ah, the voice of reason. Thanks. I've thought very carefully about my "mission" (summary: turbo and efficient fuel burn) and that's why I've chosen the M20K, and of course the Encore is the top of that line. (By the way, I brought up that Bravo and Ovation only to get a sense of value. I'm not interested in either.) But this being the only Encore out there with TKS, I got excited by all the glass. It is pretty flashy. But glass really isn't on my must-have list and never was. That said, if the seller will sell it for a reasonable price, I'd pay what it's worth to have the extra flash. It's a great plane and pretty pristine. If not, I'll likely go for an Encore conversion with steam gauges and get the same performance, mission, and enjoyment without the flash. For example: http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20K-252TSE/1986-MOONEY-M20K-252TSE/1274203.htm That one is probably my number 2 choice at this point. It has everything.

Yeah unfortunately for me. So I've got someone who's seen the plane before who is gonna give me his opinion on the value, but anyone else want to offer their opinion? Here's the way I see it: Yes, the panel and equipment are top notch but I feel like the base value is around $175k from what I've seen, plus maybe $25k for the mods (after depreciation). Later year plane (1998) but the engine is getting up there (1268 hours). Wild hand waving here, so feel free to put me in my place if I'm way off base. There's an Encore conversion on the market for $175k with the TKS FIKI and a all the same bells and whistles except the G500. Another point of comparison is that I can get a similarly equipped Bravo for $225,000 or an Ovation2 GX for $249,500! Bravo: http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1993-MOONEY-M20M-BRAVO/1284043.htm Ovation2: http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20R-OVATION2-GX/2005-MOONEY-M20R-OVATION2-GX/1275861.htm Neither have FIKI like the Canadian Encore, but the Ovation2 has G1000 (!) and the Bravo has G500, extended tanks, a 0 time factory reman engine, but not as nice radio/GPS stack. I feel these two planes have more value. Again, total hand waving... I may be missing something. I'd love to hear others' thoughts!

The conversions I've seen seem to have a higher useful load. Coincidence? Not much data to go on. I heard back from the broker that he thinks the U/L is around 940lbs. Seems low... I wonder what the real story is. That Bonanza looks nice though....

José- I had seen 308MA on Controller. Looks like a great plane but I'm hoping to find something with glass. If that proves impossible, it's definitely an option. Do you know the asking price and useful load? That could make the deal for me as well...

I admit I didn't give it too much thought. My impression was that the fuel burn would be much higher even when run at the same airspeeds. Is that a bad assumption? I really like the unmodified 252 and Encore because of the relatively efficient fuel burn, meaning I'll hesitate less to jump in and fly.

Scott, great find, thanks! I didn't think to search other forums but that is the plane indeed. Great advice. Alas, I can't find any Encores out there with prices listed. I'll look for Jimmy G's tool, that's new to me. Can't seem to get into the MAPA web site right now. I know I had read some good stuff there during my research. Useful load may be a non-starter. Not sure why it's so low (according to the original owner). That's half my reason for looking for an Encore.

First aircraft purchase. I've done a ton of research and have set my mind on getting an Encore. There are 2 on Controller and I can't find any others on aso, trade-a-plane, or barnstormers. Anyone know of others out there or have any tips on where to look? This one looks perfect, waiting for a call back from the broker: http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20K-ENCORE/1998-MOONEY-M20K-ENCORE/1253099.htm Any thoughts on how to price this one out? I've looked into moving the registration from Canada to US and it will likely be on the easy side of things since the aircraft came from the US originally (some sneaky work with Google turned this up). Many thanks in advance. Can't wait to be a Mooney owner! Nicholas