Betty_the_Mooney

Thanks - I've reached out to him now.

Fair. In this case, maybe I don't need to touch the xpdr? It has an analog KT76; ADSB out; and I have Stratus for ADS-B In on iPad. Taking the ADSB Xpdr out of the equation should save ~$2-3k in hardware alone?

Alright MS.... if I gave you two budgets - $12-16k and $18-22k - what would you do with this panel? MIssion: east coast 200-400 nm day/night VFR and soft IFR Current panel (all in working cond): NAV/COM: Narco MX12D (1990s style digital flip/flop) GPS/COM: Garmin GNC 250 (VFR) Dual CDIs (one w GS), standard stuff Xpdr: analog KT76 ADF: King ADF Audio panel: analog KMA 20 No engine monitor No autopilot - may have wing leveler ADS-B Out installed Vacuum gauges Panel updated to standard 6-pack layout Bonus points if you have any recommendations for east coast avionics shops. Will travel. ....and go!

I’ve been in the market for my first Mooney for a few months. Looking for a well maintained, mechanically sound -E or -F (would consider a -C) with WAAS and autopilot. Budget $55-75k. Moved too slow on a few gems. But right now, it seems like the market is dry. A few around the $100k, which is absolutely out of my bracket, and a few in the $30-45k with very worn out interior/paint and vintage panels. Everything in the $55-75k range is under contract/pending or has some questionable mechanical / history issues. So I’ll ask the question I sort of know the answer to: is it totally insane to find a well maintained but basic-and-not-pretty $30-45k bird, and do the upgrades myself? I know all the stats on ROI for avionics. But the thing is, with your own upgrades you get the aircraft you want. Lots of $55-75k birds have a few things already dated... so they may not be forever answers already and may need some investment themselves. Question: would any MS’ers seriously consider buying a sound $30-45k plane and then paying for WAAS, PFD, and autopilot ... and can it be done for under an additional +35k (incl installation)? (and if you did buy said bird, what would you do with the panel, for $35k or less incl installation?) Maybe I’m crazy or frustrated by the missing middle in the M20E/F market right now.....

Hi all - thanks for all the input and advice. This was all really helpful! Unfortunately it was indeed too good to be true - within one day, that M20E sold. So, it's back to the search! Continuing to look for the right M20E,F,J.... right now Controller and TAP are pretty thin pickings. Looking at one M20F but its probably a bit high priced ($90-100k). Most other aircraft are missing something from my list: either WAAS, autopilot or an engine monitor, or have run-out high-time engines. The search continues. If anyone knows of an off-market plane available, I'd appreciate it! Otherwise, I'll post here any others that come into my crosshairs - really appreciate the MS group's feedback and experience!

Hi all. Opening this up to MS'er input! I'm ready to make the leap into Mooney ownership. Previously owned a Cherokee 160. Moved from Canada to US, in the DC area, and ready to get into Mooneyland. My minimum must-have specs: low to mid-time engine with good annual usage; ADs complied and fuel tanks in good condition; WAAS and autopilot; no unreasonable damage history. Nice to have extras would be engine monitor, glass PFD (Aspen; G5; etc.), and good to very good interior. I was looking at 'F and 'J models, but a possible 'E has come available, and I'd love this groups' thoughts. My usual mission will be 2 people (and a dog ), 250-400 nm or less. Probably one longer trip (500 nm) per month. Occasionally 3-4 people on 100-150 nm trips (mostly the weekend breakfast trips with extra friends). By comparison, I'm used to flying Piper Archers and Arrows lately. Although I thought I would be a M20F or J person.... I've got my eye on a M20E. Specs: ~4500 hours TT ~500 hours engine (o/h in 2004 - so only ~25 hours/year on engine... concern?) - Avionics: Aspen PFD; GNS530W; STEC 30 with GPSS and Alt - Other: JPI700 engine; LED lights; gap seals; fuel bladders - Interior and exterior both in nice condition - Damage: one gear up in late 1960s Asking around $65-70k Okay MS.... what do we think? Right plane, right mission? Right plane, wrong mission? Wrong plane for me? Price/specs? Pros/Concerns?

Thanks @carusoam for the welcome. I'm originally Toronto, but now living in Washington DC area. Duly noted on the +1amu for year 1. (That still puts the quote at ~2-2.5amu for year 2 onward... feels high compared to others.) I've asked the insurance provider to unpack the quote a bit and give some indication of what's driving it. Stay tuned for the answer. No doubt I'll be sharing with this group some questions about hangars (DC area), brokers and PPI A&Ps/MSCs, etc. I'm VERY excited to re-enter the ownership world and to move from Piper (where I have a soft spot still) to Mooney. Great group here. Thanks. Meanwhile, if other MSC folks have other datapoints to share, i'd be very interested and appreciative!

First time poster, long time reader :) I'm starting on my first Mooney journey. Looking to buy a M20E/F/J probably in around 6 months. Doing all my homework in advance. Previously owned a PA28 a few years ago. Have been renting since then. Part of my homework, I've been looking at estimates for insurance. Just received a quote from BWI for $3k. That feels excessively high compared to the #s I'm seeing here and elsewhere. I'm 450 hours PP with IR. 25 hours retract. 0 hours in type. No accidents or issues with insurance in the past. The quote was based on a 1979 M20F (no tail # - just an estimate), hull $75k, $1m coverage. Would welcome thoughts from MS on whether $3k makes sense for first year of having a Mooney?