AnAngryGoose

Thanks everyone for the advice. I really appreciate it. I did initial inspection today, more to come but so far everything seems good for the most part. Logs all are up to date from what I've seen so far with STCs and P/Ns matching as they should. Wing spar in cabin and wheel well is in good condition, no notable corrosion found. Interior and exterior, including in inspection holes all looks great. I checked all flight controls for smooth, correct movement as well as excessive play in the rudder, horizontal stab, and flaps and they all look tight. I did a compression check on the cylinders and they all read nicely even after not running for quite awhile, better than expected. No notable leaks, cracks, etc in engine as far as I can see. The only issue I have found is some light rust on super structure cage in the cabin, so far it doesn't seem bad. I think I should be able to polish it out with steel wool and coat with zinc chromate primer as none of it seemed very deep. I still need to put it on jacks to check the compression disks but with it on the ground they seem to be in good condition. I plan on jacking it within the next few days. I also plan on doing a borescope inspection of the cylinders before I jack it.

Thanks everyone. I'll be sure to make sure I check all of that. Airframe issues and any major engine issues are the main things I'll be looking for. I'll update whatever I find out here, if anyone is interested

I'll be sure to find another A&P who has more experience with Mooney's than me. Thanks for the advice. Borescope is definitely planned. Hopefully that goes well. Any other specifics to look for?

I'll be sure to do that. I plan on learning all I can. Luckily my CFI is experienced with Mooneys so that will help. Still have a LOT to learn, but hopefully it works out in the end how I hope it will. Maybe I'll make a progress thread on the work to get it running and flying if it all works out.

Not sure on specific years. I will know more tomorrow when I go through logs, etc. I know it was overhauled by Mattituk who is very reputable. It does seem too good to be true, which is why I'm asking here and planning the pre-buy so much. So far I've checked for corrosion on every space I can find without removing entire panels and have not been able to find anything. I'll be doing compression checks on engine tomorrow, along with an extensive list of other checks including checking for rust and other corrosion on the superstructure. It's in the SW US. Been hangared since it was purchased, or so I'm told. Though, I'd believe it based on the condition I've seen so far.

That is actually one thing I wanted to clarify. So when a D is converted (LG I mean) it technically becomes a C model then?

It's a 1964(5?) M20D. 1200hrs total on airframe. 400 SMOH. Multiple speed mods, O&N fuel tank mod, a few other STC mods. EXCELLENT condition. The deal would include hangar it is currently in (250$/month). New carpet and interior (light brown leather). AD's are C/W (some recurrent may be needed as it hasn't flown in a little while). Only work needed (I know of) is finish avionics install, which is not a problem for me honestly. Seller is asking 19k for plane and then I'd pay for hangar space. I will be doing a prebuy tomorrow and over the next few days to verify everything but so far from what I've seen when I have looked at it the last few times, it is in great shape.

Thanks for the input. I'll definitely have a good bit of time to put into the 210 (plus whatever else I can get my hands on) by the time I finish the work needed on the Mooney. As for the deal offered. Would this be an OK place to post a little specific info to make sure the deal is as good as it seems?

Hi everyone, I'm brand new here. Looking at buying a Mooney M20D as I've gotten offered an unbelievable deal on it, it seems. I've gotten a list on what to look for in a prebuy. It needs avionics work finished, but that is my day job so I'm not too worried about it. Mostly looking to expand my knowledge on Mooneys and this one specifically. I'd be training more in a C210 while I finish up the work needed. I know that a Mooney seems to be a little much to learn in, but I just feel like the offer is too good to pass up and I'd kick myself later if I let it go. Is it completely ridiculous to think it's a (not terrible) idea to learn to fly more in my own plane? Let alone a complex retract like a Mooney? I've read other threads on the idea here and on other pages and it's seems to be a divided issue. I know I wouldn't save money in the end like I would renting for a PPL, but I know I'd wanna own my own plane down the line. I figure if the opportunity is here now, why not take it? Let alone I could use it as an investment and sell it later, though I wouldn't want to, I don't think. Thoughts?