Mooney prebuy shop near Fort Worth Texas?

[manoflamancha]

Hi all,

I'm looking to do a prebuy on a nice Mooney 231 for sale in Fort Worth, Texas. Looking for recommendation to do a thorough prebuy in the area before purchase.

Thanks,

Scott

[carusoam]

There is a really good place (or three) in Texas. I used the one at KGGG, longview, Tx...

A guy named Don, pretty good at his craft.

Just find one that is independent of the last shop that did it's annual.

This may be inconvenient. But, it is the best protection for your wallet...

Best regards,

-a-

[BigTex]

Yep... Take it to Don Maxwell at GGG.  I live in the DFW area and that's what I did.

[Dave Marten]

Don Maxwell at KGGG.

[manoflamancha]

Awesome thanks guys! I wanted a 252 Rocket or Bravo but 231 is turbo and half the price. Maybe in few years save up and trade up.

[dcrogers11]

Good luck with the pre-buy.  There are several Mooney owners on here in the DFW area.  I'm near Ft. Worth and I'm sure anyone of us will help you if something comes up.  

 

Don

[manoflamancha]

Great thanks, I'll probably need to eventually add an IFR GPS like a Garmin 650 and GTX 327 mode S transponder.

[gsxrpilot]

Ditto for Maxwell's.  Don was able to supply a ferry pilot to get it out to GGG also. It's the best money you can spend on a Mooney.

[fantom]

+10 for Don Maxwell.....take it anywhere else at your own peril

 

Surprised you had to ask.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Send it to Maxwell

[schule]

If Maxwell has done the last several annuals it might not be a bad idea to get a second opinion from a different set of eyes. Maxwell is one of the top, but not the only MSC in TX. Has anyone worked with the guy who bought out Dugosh in Kerrville? TX has a lot of options....maybe more Mooneys per capita than any other state. Welcome to turbo Mooney club.

[schule]

Also, it might be nice to make the trip in the airplane to whom ever you use to see how she flies/test all the buttons. Based on personal experience, some very expensive pre-existing avionics issues are not easy to identify without actual flight time in the aeroplane.

[manoflamancha]

Thanks I'm taking my Mooney CFI with me and he is over six feet tall so if he can then my friends can! Most of the time I fly solo or with a friend so that allows me to get one. The one concern I've found with most of the used 231 on the market is that most do not have the Merlyn automatic waste gate or turbo intercooler to better manage engine temps. To add these would cost $$$ and time.

[carusoam]

Check availability of parts as well when considering adding the capabilities...

Best regards,

-a-

[DonMuncy]

I have a 231, and although I would like to have a wastegate and intercooler, it is not too difficult to learn to manage the engine.

[manoflamancha]

Cool thanks Don, fortunately I've found few candidates with the Merlyn automatic waste gate. If I move on the Texas plane I should meet up with you guys. Texas has my favorite BBQ and they know how to do smoked brisket better than anyone. It will be fun to visit Mooney factory in Kerrville too.