CFIcare

Ok, so to get a 4 seat, fast-ish, glass, autopilot plane, with good parts availability, is there a Mooney model/year range for me? What should I realistically look to be spending? Or should I be looking at other planes as some have suggested: bonanza's, experimentals, cirrus etc. Great replies from everyone so far, thank you!

Sadly, I suspect these high prices have everything to do with the time that's passed since you bought. Sounds like you've got a great plane!

Yep, planning to do a savvy pre-buy, but appreciate hearing someone else recommend it.

Interesting that they poured so much money into this antique. Didn't know that about the electric prop pitch, interesting.

Regarding buying a high time engine, I'm again thinking about Mike Busch's advice. Plane will be steeply discounted and while the engine may need an overhaul right away, it may, in fact, run for hundreds of hours (which would equal several years for me). I'm seeing some high time engines that have had recent top overhauls so maybe there's a chance of that actually happening. On the other hand, I don't think these planes are steeply enough discounted considering a 60K overhaul. And then, as I suspected and you confirmed, there's the down time. Would 120 be considered slightly more than 100?

Great intel, thanks!

Great post, thanks. I read the recent lasar post and that educated me about the parts availability. I'm drawn to them by the possibility of getting one at a reasonably low price and still having a relatively fast plane. The fuel efficiency is an added bonus. I can't see my way around buying a 182 or something that goes slower and uses more gas, not to mention they're more expensive. As far as experimental, I'm looking for 4 seats which is slightly limiting, but most of what I see is really expensive. Glassairs, RV's and such. Any suggestions in the experimental world in the 100-120K range?

Alright Mooney folks, if I'm willing to bump up my budget to 120, someone find me a Mo to compete with that Bo!

Now that I look at it, I don't think it's cork board, it salvaged kitchen countertop formica.

That's quite a find! I looked at some bo's but thought they'd be way out of my price range for one that's well-equipped. Is this so cheap because it's so old? Or is it that hideous cork board panel? Are those landing gear lights or thumb tacks? But I guess if I'm looking at planes from the 60's, I shouldn't really turn up my nose at the 50's. That's where rock and roll came from anyway. Do you have any connection to this plane or just have excellent googling skills? How did you find? Thanks for sending!

Thanks! I'm kind of going off the Mike Busch philosophy to let the seller spend the money on the panel upgrade since they lose the money when they sell it. Also avoids the downtime for the panel work. Airframe without corrosion is, of course, the most important thing. As far as engine, it seems like very few airplanes for sale are being flown as regularly as I'd like. I have a 152 aerobat and fly it at least once a week.

I'd like a good single pilot IFR platform, that's why I'd like the glass and autopilot. It will primarily be me, my wife and 2 year old. We don't plan to have more and we're thin, so seems like we'll all fit.

Hi y'all, New member, my first post here. I'm considering buying an M20 and looking for some opinions/advice. I'd like to spend right around 100K. I'd like to get something with an already upgraded panel to include 2 G5's (or equivalent) modern engine monitor, ideally JPI 930 primary, and if possible a GFC500. Quite a wish list, right? I kind of like the idea of a Johnson bar which helps narrow the search. Seems like a pretty safe and simple system vs. electric gear with a backup. But I'm looking for opinions on whether to consider Mooney's with electric gear. Any difference in maintenance costs for johnson bar vs. electric? Anyway, here's a few listings I'm looking at, opinions/advice welcome! No engine monitor, high time engine. Anyone know the approximate cost and wait time for a good overhaul? Is factory rebuilt even an option? https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20C&listing_id=2448787&s-type=aircraft No autopilot: https://www.controller.com/listing/for-sale/249187751/1966-mooney-m20c-piston-single-aircraft Old autopilot, presumably would replace with a GFC500: https://www.aso.com/listings/spec/ViewAd.aspx?id=199015&listingType=true&IsInternal=True&pagingNo=1&searchId=62346357&dealerid= Thanks everybody!