DC_Mooniac

Here it is: http://report.myairplane.com/

Thanks everyone for their thoughts. As it turns out, I learned to fly at Freeway and am a big fan. I'll have to follow up with Stan about the 201 they may have. One thing I have being trying to figure out is what exactly is considered an airworthy squawk? I assume I should insist that the seller agree to pay for all airworthy squawks in the purchase agreement? If I find what seems to be a good plane, should I have my MSC start with a pre-buy, and if it goes well initially, have them do a full annual? How would this typically work -- I would pay for the labor, but the seller would pay for all airworthy squawks? I assume this would be the best way to avoid the exceedingly expensive initial annual? Regarding future pricing for Mooneys, it is also my impression as well that prices will start going up again. But is it possible that the prices flatten out or possibly even continue to decline due to Mooney possibly going out of business and how plastic planes like the Cirrus SR20 are coming down in price and possibly competing more with older vintage Mooney 201s? Not that I was tempted, but I can imagine that some buyers would be attracted to a plane that is less than 10 years old with dual 430s and a big MFD on an SR20 for around 120K. By the way, Parker, love the pictures of your plane. I have noticed the listing for 201EQ, but was turned off a bit by the damage history, available at http://report.myairplane.com/index.php. The 201 that All American has for 105K is also tempting and has pretty much what I want, but, especially with the 8+% sales tax, it would be a bit of a stretch for me.

So I stumbled onto this website a few weeks ago and have spent many hours reading the many helpful and informative posts. I am looking to buy my first plane and was wondering if anyone had any tips about finding a good 201. I have about 135 hours in 172s and am looking to spend around 80 to 90 K for a nice 201. As I'd prefer not having to do any upgrades myself in the immediate future, I am looking for a turn-key 201 with a 430, low-mid time engine, autopilot with altitude hold, decent paint and interior, and no corrosion or fuel tank issues. Also, because I am a first time buyer, I would prefer the convenience of finding a plane somewhat close to where I live, i.e., the Washington, DC area. I have been looking at trade-a-plane, aso, controller, and a couple other websites and have a couple planes in mind, but thought it would be helpful to see if anyone has heard of any others that are on the market or about to come on the market. I am hoping to buy in the next few weeks or sooner if the right plane comes along at the right price.