Vagus

@steingar we want what we want and we just gotta find it (were you being sarcastic or something? lol. Alot of time on your hands eh if that's the case.. go fly your Mooney or something haha!) @skydvrboy There's always another airplane popping up, just gotta be patient. I actually did see a couple that met that criteria but missed the boat. I'm not one to settle. So, I'll rent a Mooney tilll I can find the plane I want!

Good morning everyone, I am looking for a Pre M20 Model in the Fort Worth, TX area. Looking to buy in other states as well (Occasional sale preferred but not a deal breaker if you hold a tax license) I am a cash buyer. I would like to have the plane equipped with the following: Kings Radios, 2 VORS (preferred), Garmin 430W or 530W, ADSB out/in, Auto Pilot / wing leveler but preferred (STEC 30-60 / Brititan), Manual Bar Preferred, M208B SB completed within the last 3 years, Engine time 100-800 SMOH, Prop 100-800 SMOH (or more with no AD on hub), Flown at least 90-120 hours in the last two years. Hangered preferred. Fuel tanks sealed within last 3 years or fuel bladders, (back up vacuum pump preferred but not a deal breaker), speed mods not needed but a bonus, and updated interior is a plus. If you have a plane for sale that meets this criteria than send me a message and we can get in touch and discuss pricing via phone.

Hmm all these comments are invaluable. I appreciate the loan advice. Only issue with the loan is there are additional fees you have to pay to the loan company. I can do a title search myself and see if there are leins through AOPA.

Hey everyone, I am looking to buy a plane and most companies or individuals want a deposit of 500 to 1000. One company is asking for 5000 on all their planes 40k to 70k. Obviously getting it back if issues are found during the pre buy. Is this normal to ask for this amount of money? Any horroe stories? Tips? Appreciate everyones insight, James

@everyone and @gsxrpilot Thank you for the advice. I decided not to go forward with the purchase. These were some amazing tips and I appreciate everyone help. I'll make a goal to purchase an airplane being flown 30 hrs+ a year, STEC 30, Kings, Garmin 430+, and ADSB out/in for 60k (mid engine time). Someday I will find this gem. Once I do, I'll use the knowelege and help I gain here to buy my airplane. Until then, I might just join a club that fits or just rent. Last thing, @gsxrpilot what did you mean by AMU? Also I am free Saturday if you are in the FW area hopefully we can fly sometime. Again, thank you everyone.

Sb 208 b was done last year to check for corrosion and take care of those issues, I think that takes care of the tubing check. Spars will definitely be checked on prebuy

@Yetti 20 hours? Is this true if you pull cylinders to just inspect them or open the crank case to inspect the camshaft etc? @SantosDumont yeah I am very hesitate on clubs. Due to the partnership situation. @M20Doc yeah Doc, I am also wondering, even if metal isn't in the oil filter yet, can their still be corrosion happening? Main thing I am having with this plane is its far away like a 10 hr flight home and I might be taking everyone's advise which is buy a plane with upgraded avionics when I can find one with mid engine time. Also closer to home.

@SantosDumont so would you say for 45k, that engine time per year, and avionics I could find a better one in a year maybe that would have a Garmin 430+,stec etc? Also everyone, what are your thoughts on clubs?

@SantosDumont I appreciate your wisdom here. What engine time or how much was that plane flown per year, I hear 50 or more is good with no down years.

@SantosDumont plane is in the mid 40s range. Won't disclosure the exact amount being a gentlemen.

@Stephen Watkins that's definitely what I was going to do but just getting two off and back on is around 800+. I just don't think it's worth doing and betting there's already corrosion so I would be wasting my money. I guess you can really never know for sure unless it's done. But should I do it... Hmmm? @gsxrpilot thanks for the advice, I'm about 60% buy 40% no go.

@gsxrpilot I really appreciate your input. The airplane has king radios (dme, ifr gs) , Adsb, no auto pilot, recently sealed tanks in 2018, a mounted Garmin 800 or so, can't do ifr with it, electric gear. No narcos. But from my understanding metal could pop up in the oil filter in as little as 50 to 100 hrs without checking. Just debating if it's even worth it. (wasting the cash based on the %) Also the planes engine (cylinders, Cams) has not been opened up since 2003. (oil has been changed expect those low time years) (maybe the owner changed it)

@gsxrpilotUpdated the post with the engine model. Yes it is a shame for sure.

Hello everyone, I am looking at an airplane that's located on the coastal region for the last two - three years. Additionally, the airplane spent the earlier 13 years of it's ENGINE*** life in Colorado. I just wanted to get the opinion of my Mooney friends and experts here if corrosion effecting the CAMS, Lifters, or even Cylinders is highly possible and what % would you say? I understand to check I would have to do a more intensive pre-buy and I am not sure I want to do that and just not buy the plane. Below is an excel chart I made for flying time for the plane. Most of the time is spent in CO except* for the last 3 years which was on the coast. Table below based on engine inspections. Years Date SMOH TT Flight time that year 1 7/9/2003 0 3209.8 2 7/24/2004 79 3289 79 3 10/7/2005 113 3322.7 34 4 1/1/2006 113 3322.7 0 5 1/12/2007 154 3364 41 6 1/12/2008 192 3402 38 7 6/12/2009 216 3425.3 23 8 1/1/2010 216 3425.3 0 9 1/1/2011 216 3425.3 0 10 5/10/2012 217 3426.34 1 11 6/5/2013 269 3478.4 52 12 1/1/2014 275 3485.29 7 13 1/1/2015 282 3492.19 7 14 8/18/2016 289 3499.08 7 15 1/20/2017 317 3527 28 16 4/1/2018 370 3579.59 53 9/27/2018 371 3580 1 Go or no go?

@MBDiagManthank you so much for this info. I had a CFI in Dallas just call me about an hr ago and he was interested in the time frame I had in mind and we seemed to be in sync. I'll post here the pictures of the Mooney and our adventure if everything works out. I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions.