ElisiumNate

After chatting with you all here, I'm starting to think that the old engine + it sitting outside are going to be deal breakers for someone like myself. I want to buy a plane that I can fly right away, and even if I have to upgrade the avionics to get them where I want them I'd rather buy a plane that is flying regularly and not a fixer-upper. If anyone sees any great airplanes out there, please send the links in here or DM me.

Valid question on how long have I been looking! I've been compiling a sheet of planes for a little over a year, but finally (in Jan 2024) I'll get to the salary I need to feel comfortable making the purchase. As such, I've been taking a deeper look at each, and trying to fly as many types as I can. I've flown Piper Cherokee 235s, Warriors, and an Arrow. So far the Mooney has really impressed me the most, and quickly become that "dream plane" so I've been looking for insurance details, other roadblocks, and a fella who owns a 1983 J model suggested that I join this group. What did you think of that other Mooney, the 1974 one? Sounds like it's only flown a few hundred hours since '07 maybe? I'm certainly still looking, but getting closer!!

Thanks for the perpective! Was this the other airplane you were looking at? I like this one too! https://shorturl.at/ghpx0

Greatly appreciate all of this. Certainly has me considering the overhaul downtime, which I had not considered. Starting to seem more like I should keep looking for a plane that has been flying regularly, not one that has been sitting. These are all great points.

Hey I hadn't considered that... Great idea!

Added to the list! Just heard from a buddy too that I can't finance this plane since the engine is so old. As a new buyer I didn't know there was such a limitation. Are you all familiar with this too? I've reached out for an insurance quote, but have not started the financing conversation yet. I have great credit though so I assumed it would be pretty much like any other loan. Greatly appreciate the input from everyone!

Good call on the "Why a new prop?" part - I added that to my list for tomorrow's call. Also added "Have all engine ADs been complied with?" My A&P IA pal has offered to do the pre-buy for me, but of course I have to get us out to the airplane so before I burn up a few thousand in airfare I thought I'd ask the questions first!

I have a call with the seller tomorrow and will be asking him a few things. Hopefully this conversation will give me some more good questions. So far I've got: - How often is it flown? - Is it hangared or stored outside?

Here she is - https://shorturl.at/otBQ4 What do you all think??

Outstanding feedback, thanks so much for the warm welcome! My mission will just be to build time, earn my IFR certificate, and travel cross-country with maybe 1 passenger, but mostly my cat and some baggage. After that I'd like to get my CFI and Commercial for the insurance break and added safety and knowledge. Teaching others to fly would be tremendously rewarding, though I won't be doing it in my own Mooney. I'd love to also fly missions for Life Flight and Pilots N Paws when I accumulate enough hours for each. Budget - I'm looking for something under $100k so that I can keep a reserve on hand for either upgrades, engine OH, or surprises in that first annual. I found a really great deal on a plane, and if allowed, I'll post the link here for you all to see. It's a 1964 M20E, TT 2919, TSMOH 1506 (but that was in 1976). The panel is sweet. Dual G5s, GNX 375, JPI EDM 900! And... $74k. Would love your inputs if that is OK to share a link like that on here. It's all the way out in Upland, CA and I'm in Moline IL so even seeing the plane is going to be tricky. I like the advice of being ready to overhaul her and then manage the life of the engine myself. The airframe has super low time and complete logs. Thanks everyone!

Hey all! First time post, brand new here but totally seeing the love for Mooneys! I am a PPL (130 hours) and just finished my complex endorsement in a Piper Arrow. I want to buy an airplane, and the speed, efficiency, and even price of the Mooney C and E models are very appealing! YouTube is full of showboating, so I'd like to see if I can get some real advice from real owners here about whether a M20 C, E (or other model) would be a good choice for a new airplane owner. Thanks for your time!