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I'm beginning the search for a Mooney and I thought I had narrowed the choices down to J model. However, now I'm questioning if it's really worth the premium over a well equipped late model F. Assuming a similarly equipped F with a few speed mods, can you guys help me with some pros and cons? After a fair amount of research, here are a few to start with. Pros of a J model over an F generally at least 10 years newer airframe Speed mods already built in Generally better cockpit configuration depending on year Higher VLE ('78+) Better fuel switch (not sure what year the 'off in the middle' ended) A few extra knots depending on the speed mods on an F Cons of a J model Good examples priced at least 20-30k more than similarly equipped F

Hello all, New to the forum but have been lurking around since I first ran across this plane trying to learn what I could about it. But now as the deal progresses I thought I would see what info I could learn by asking directly. Here is what I have found. An older gentleman at the airport has a 1975 Mooney M20E that he has agreed to sell. His wife recently died, he has lost his medical, and his grandson said he wasn't interested in the plane so he decided to sell. Other than about 6 months of not flying, the plane is in good shape. We both use the same mechanic and the mechanic vouches for the state of the plane. The interior was redone a few years ago, so it's in good shape and the paint is pretty good also. The paint a bit weathered and oxidized from sitting and not being washed, but I've volunteered to wash it and with a light buff it shines and looks great. The Engine on the plane was completely rebuilt with the exception of the cam shaft about 300 hrs ago. They didn't do the cam shaft, so they can't call it a rebuild and 0 the engine time, but it has 300 hrs since the rebuild. I have flown the plane. She flies fast, straight, and level. Big difference from my Cherokee 140 I've been flying for the past year. He has also done some of the speed mods (The names/details escape me now but it is something with the cowl and not the lopresti mods). Overall, he took really good care of the plane until the recent changes in his life that force the change. Equipment is standard IFR equipment, ADF, DME, Dual comm/navs, and a LORAN if you can believe it. I'm in the process of checking out the engine to see if the new AD recently issued affects it to make sure I don't get hit with a surprise bill. He is asking $35k for it. From what I can tell, it is a great deal for the plane. Asking the Mooney Aficionados to see if you guys have anything I should be wary of or check as we continue to look at the plane? I don't have pictures this moment. I changed phones recently and all of my pictures were on the other one, but will post a few when I can to the airport and shoot a couple.

Not for me! A friend traded in a Porsche Mooney on a new Ovation. He then sold his Mooney and moved overseas for several years. He has been back for a while, and wants to get back into ownership. I've checked the usual places, there are very few Acclaims on the market right now. I will forward any leads to him; he may watch this thread for replies, too. Please let me know of any good ones that are, become or will soon be available. Thanks, ya'll.

Hello all! This is my first post. I am looking at buying a mooney. I have never bough an airplane before and have so many questions. 1961 M20B, SN 1746, TT 4026, SMOH 1402, Prop 1394, Fresh Annual, Paint 5, Leather Interior 5, All Compressions in 70s, KX-155, TKM MK-11, KA-134, STA 400, New Brake Pads & Rotors & Wheel Bearings, Concord Battery, Fuel Flow Meter. No Fuel Tank Leaks. What kinds of things should I be asking the person selling this aircraft? The last annual was done in April. How many hours can a prop have? How many hours until I have to overhaul the engine. I've read around 1800, but can't find anything difinitive.... The plane is in Mexico. What should I do for a preinspection? I am hesitant to ask the owner to arrange one simply based on the fact that he may find a biased mechanic. Basically, is this aircraft owrth buying? What else should I know? Thanks!

I got seriously interested in Mooneys two years ago, not quite in time to get to the Colorado Springs MAPA convention. I've been to both of the recent ones in Texas. I wasn't quite ready to buy an airplane, but a Floyd Washburn in SC listed 4875D in the MAPA log in, I think August, and I was intrigued. He listed on barnstormers in early October at a lower price. He lowered the price again on October 31, and I pounced. He flew it to Rome, Georgia to have a pre-buy and annual by Joey Cole. The annual and some fixes are still going on, so I won't physically have the plane for a few weeks, but the money has transferred and the plane is mine. If you're curious, the top couple of posts in my blog have some photos of the plane and a little information on my buying it: http://craigsteffen.net/blog/ I will post lots later when my work schedule settles down and I have the plane locally so that I can fly it, poke at it, and take pictures. So in all likelyhood, I'll be flying it to Oshkosh this summer, and to the MAPA convention this fall (assuming it isn't in Seattle or something). Craig Steffen