what to look for in an e model

[BBroussard]

I am shopping for a e model and I would like to know what should I be looking for during a visual inspection and pre buy inspection any other information would be helpful.thanks.

[Bob_Belville]

Look for an autopilot and an updated panel, maybe a 201 style cowl, windshield mod, updated engine baffles, a scimitar prop (dynamic balanced), speed brakes, O&N bladders, relocated oil cooler, Tempest fine wire plugs, Powerflow exhaust, 157k/180mph cruise... 

 

Expect to pay $90k+ 

 

[garysuperpilot]

That's a strong E model. Probably worth a good price as well. imagine you could find a real nice one in the 50's. Looks like a 430 gps is minimum these days but I have an F model w/only dual comms, ILS, 396 and happy enough. Depends how deep your pockets are. Low to mid time engine would be a biggie for me. Good bargains out there. Just get a good prebuy . Good luck

[rob]

You should look for a well equipped C instead

[BBroussard]

Thanks for the replys,but I was mainly refering towards problem issues fuel tank issues or aileron issues,etc.

[Bob_Belville]

Oh, it that case, yes, in additional to the standard concerns for engine health and overall condition, there are certain items to look for in vintage Mooneys: fuel tanks can be expensive, structural corrosion can cost more than an airframe is worth, etc. I don't think there's any particular issues with ailerons... You should be able to search this site for info.

 

My point above was intended to point out that it is better to hold out for a plane with as many of the upgrades you want already done so that you don't pay retail to do them later. And even if you find a plane that has every bell and whistle you want, you should expect to spent money in the 1st year or two of ownership. Exhaust, starter, alternator, vacuum pump, avionics and instruments have a way of knowing there's a new owner paying the bills.    

[BBroussard]

Thanks bob,very good info.

[gsxrpilot]

I just bought a well equipped C.  I was looking for an E but realized I could get much more for the same money with a C.  The more I looked, the more I came to believe that $1 spent up front would buy $4 worth of upgrades.  I really think it pays to buy someone else's hard work and investment rather than doing it yourself.

 

Then get a good pre-buy from a reputable Mooney shop.  

[mike_elliott]

Thanks for the replys,but I was mainly refering towards problem issues fuel tank issues or aileron issues,etc.

 

Unless (and even so if you are) you are well versed in Mooneys, might I suggest at a minimum you have a prebuy done by a shop like Don Maxwell or LASAR or Top Gun. They KNOW these airplanes and what to look for as far as trouble areas for each particular model and year. Pick on that has the equipment you like, has the logs read like you want them to read, looks like one you could convince your wife she would like and have a pro tell you what kind of plane it is. You will be $ ahead in the long run. If you are a real newbie at purchasing a plane, consider hiring an agent to ferret out planes for you based on your criteria and manage the purchase process. They will be able to review logs, ask the right questions, oversee a proper prebuy/annual, and negotiate the best possible plane and deal for you. It all depends on your expertise in this area. Typically, this process can save you thousands and get you the right plane.

[rbridges]

good points made by Paul and Bob.  Corrosion and leaking tanks are the biggest general concern with mooneys.  A good pre-buy is worth its weight.  Depending on your budget, buy as much plane as you can comfortably afford.  Avionics and mods are much cheaper when someone else has taken the depreciation hit.

[Seth]

And even if you find a plane that has every bell and whistle you want, you should expect to spent money in the 1st year or two of ownership. Exhaust, starter, alternator, vacuum pump, avionics and instruments have a way of knowing there's a new owner paying the bills.    

+1 It's like the plane just knows . . .

 

Depending on where you or your potential aircraft is located, I'm sure the members here on MooneySpace can provide referances for a few good trusted shops or mechanics for the prebuy.

 

Welcome to MooneySpace.

 

-Seth

[Hank]

Do some searching. There's an excellent thread buried 3 years ago or so from George Perry, detailing things to look for in a Vintage Mooney. It will be well worth the time and effort to find it.

 

The difference between C and E is 20 hp; getting balanced injectors, different intake and hot-start difficulties are E, F, J and everything else but these disappear with a C. No fuel injection, simple hot start, etc. Either will do well for you. My C loves grass and short fields, too.

[Guest]

All of the lovely avionics will be great to use when the airframe is scraped due to inadequate or improper inspection.

The pre purchase should include complete review of the log books for compliance with ADs, SBs and noted damage or repairs. Review of the aircraft paperwork looking for complete records, STCs, 337's, weight and balance reports. Missing documents can be costly to acquire.

If all of these are in order the inspection can be done. It should include removal of EVERY removable panel or cover and removal of the interior for a thorough inspection. Magneto 500 hour checks, cracked crankcases at the front cylinders, cracked or damaged engine mounts, rotten Lord mounts, worn out cooling baffles, worn out engine control cables, propeller overhaul life, flexible induction coupling, mufflers with no flame tubes, old or original landing gear shock disc, either Firestone or Lord, oversteered nose trusses, brake discs worn below limits. Fill the fuel tanks to locate leaks, worn out flight control systems,seized and worn walking beam bearings in the tail, worn trim links bolts and bushing to name a few expensive Mooney troubles.

Expect the process to take more than a few hours.

Clarence

[Gunderbear]

I have a 1965 M20E with only 200 hours on MOH and I just installed a Garmin 430W.  I fly it fairly reguarly but I have a need for a larger plane right now.  Annual was completed in March 2014 and the exhaust system was overhauled during the annual.  143Kts with 10-11 fuel burn at 25 squared.  It is a nice easy plane to fly.  60K with the Garmin, 53K without.