I’m an instrument-rated private pilot who has been living abroad for the past few years and only doing limited VFR flying (5-10 hours a year), but I am permanently relocating to the Boston area this summer. I want to take the leap and buy a first plane as I get fully back into flying…and I’ve narrowed in on a Mooney (I think!).
The mission is a mix of XC trips (<500 nm) and local/$100 hamburger flying. It would typically be me +1, but I want the option to take 3-4. Being in the northeast, I don’t think I need (or want the added expense of) a turbo + O2. I want it to be a solid IFR platform. I’d like to keep all-in acquisition cost (purchase + initial maintenance/avionics upgrades) <$150K.
With that context, here’s what I think I am looking for:
M20F (with J mods), J, or R/S. Probably a J.
GTN650/750
Transponder with ADS-B in/out
Autopilot with altitude hold + glidescope
Engine monitoring (with fuel flow/totalizer)
Speed brakes
<1000 hours SMOH
Given budget, I’m probably looking at six-pack instruments (much as I’d love a G3X). I’d like to put in dual G5s/GI275s for attitude and HSI (and remove the vacuum system), but that can come after a year or two.
Below are a bunch of questions I’ve been mulling; I would welcome input on any of them anyone wants to take on:
Is F (with mods), J, R/S a good short-list? How should I be thinking about the trade-offs between them (besides price)?
For these models, what are the “watch-outs” or things to screen for (e.g., I’ve heard about fuel tank reseals)? Any recurring ADs to be aware of?
In terms of panel/mods/specs, what other things should I have on my list? Is anything I have on there now unnecessary?
Living in the northeast and wanting to fly in winter, should I be considering TKS? Or can that wait for the “second plane” given budget and mission?
How much should a pre-purchase inspection cost? Is it safe to ask a local Mooney Service Center to do it, or is there a better way to find a mechanic (wherever the plane may be located)?
Very practically, how do all the pieces come together at the time of purchase (purchasing plane, getting it insured, ferrying it home, doing transition training, securing a place to park it)? What is the order of operations? I don’t have a complex endorsement or any Mooney time yet (intending to do some dual in a rental M20J I have found after the COVID situation eases).
What else should I be thinking about?