M20C Opinions?

[The Other Red Baron]

I'm still searching for something to buy.  Usually anything that I think sounds fair in my completely inexperienced plane purchasing perspective is gone extremely quickly so I feel like I'm at least on the right path. I'm trying to find something already setup so I can work on my instrument rating and fly GPS approaches.  I found this plane today that seems pretty reasonable considering some of the stuff being advertised out there.  Is there something I'm missing or should I be trying to find a commercial flight out to this place? The logs mention repairing fuel leaks repeatedly like it was an ongoing issue and battling some corrosion. I haven't looked at enough of these yet to know if this is par the course or something to avoid.

https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20C&listing_id=2256518&s-type=aircraft

[DXB]

Welcome.  Doesn't look bad at first glance.  Tanks are ok as long as  the advertised complete tank reseal was from competent folks and no issues since. Can you post details of the corrosion issues.

[carusoam]

It's real expensive to buy something far away...

Often, two trips, a PPI, a week of your time and then you find out something is wrong...

If you are going to go through this much effort and expense, know that is going to pass a strong PPI...

I often combined a work trip looking at planes in the neighborhood in whatever city I was in...

It helps when you are buying from a known person or organization... (MSer or AAA). Fewer unknowns This way...

Good luck and happy hunting.

Best regards,

-a-

[The Other Red Baron]

Some mentions of corrosion in June 05 and Dec 10 of the  "Engine logbook" even though it seems to cover many maintenance issues.  I think there was one other mention of corrosion.

Windshield and window hardware severely corroded.  Aileron corrosion. I'm guessing this was a trainer somewhere and left outside.  I just realized it was getting 100HR inspections.

carusoam: That is a huge part of my problem.  It seems like everything for sale is on the East coast with the occasional in Texas.  I'm in Arkansas and Oklahoma and never make it out to the coasts.  Texas is so friggin big to begin with it might as well be on the coast. 

Edited June 14, 2017 by revwatch
more

[gsxrpilot]

PM sent.

[Stephen]

Hi Justin,

 

Sorry I havent reached out since Saturday (am dealing with mover's packing up our home and getting moved into my rental crash pad in Rogers.... blah blah ) anyway I might be able to take you flying this weekend if you are in town; or meet and review logs on stuff your looking at etc.  Just let me know your schedule for the coming weekend and week

[Stephen]

https://www.controller.com/listings/aircraft/for-sale/19217249/1965-mooney-m20e-super-21

??

 

Suburb of Dallas. Not a lot of detail, but low engine time. 

[Jerry 5TJ]

8 hours ago, revwatch said:

I'm still searching for something to buy.  Usually anything that I think sounds fair in my completely inexperienced plane purchasing perspective is gone extremely quickly so I feel like I'm at least on the right path. I'm trying to find something already setup so I can work on my instrument rating and fly GPS approaches.  I found this plane today that seems pretty reasonable considering some of the stuff being advertised out there.  Is there something I'm missing or should I be trying to find a commercial flight out to this place? The logs mention repairing fuel leaks repeatedly like it was an ongoing issue and battling some corrosion. I haven't looked at enough of these yet to know if this is par the course or something to avoid.

https://www.trade-a-plane.com/search?category_level1=Single+Engine+Piston&make=MOONEY&model=M20C&listing_id=2256518&s-type=aircraft

Suggest you call the broker--John Decker--and talk to him about the plane. I am acquainted with him, he's reasonable.  

If plane looks good get a purchase agreement in place subject to your inspection & approval. Have it flown to near you for that Inspection & go see it.  

Write purchase agreement so if the deal falls through you're out the cost of inspection & his fuel costs.  

 

 

[steingar]

Were I still in the market I'd be on that like butter on toast.  Like the man said, check who did the tank seal, and be particular aware about the corrosion.  In the wrong place it can kill a Mooney.  

[The Other Red Baron]

Stephen, no worries I'm actually over here in my crash pad in Oklahoma! I believe I'm getting dragged to Kansas City this Saturday by the little lady but I should be free Sunday.

I actually have not contacted that gentleman yet about that E. Got it confused with another Mooney ad with very little information on the post.

Edited June 14, 2017 by revwatch
Correction

[DXB]

9 hours ago, revwatch said:

Some mentions of corrosion in June 05 and Dec 10 of the  "Engine logbook" even though it seems to cover many maintenance issues.  I think there was one other mention of corrosion.

Windshield and window hardware severely corroded.  Aileron corrosion. I'm guessing this was a trainer somewhere and left outside.  I just realized it was getting 100HR inspections.

carusoam: That is a huge part of my problem.  It seems like everything for sale is on the East coast with the occasional in Texas.  I'm in Arkansas and Oklahoma and never make it out to the coasts.  Texas is so friggin big to begin with it might as well be on the coast. 

Take a look at  Service Bulletin 208B.  It involves pulling the interior to inspect the tubular frame for corrosion - an issue with planes that sit outside and leak in H20.

http://www.mooney.com/en/sb/M20-208B.pdf

If you can find this having been done per the logs in recent years, it may give you a modicum of confidence to go forward with a prebuy inspect.  If you get to a prebuy, you need a truly knowledgeable person to look at the tubular frame and the wing spar for corrosion FIRST during the inspection. Significant issues here will make you walk away briskly without spending further time and money. 

I agree buying a plane that's far away requires some exta hassle. I do see some good C models come up periodically in the South from time to time.  But I live in Philly and bought a plane from South Carolina after having it inspected  by a Mooney specialist in Dalton GA. It can be done without too much pain, particularly if the seller is willing to transport it for prebuy.  Before having it flown to the inspection, I was  lucky to find someone in the state who was willing to fly over and lay eyes on it to get a feel for things being as advertised. I offered to pay him an hourly consulting fee given he was a MAPA instructor and C model owner - he said "nah - I consider it a service to the Mooney community."  I'd be willing to pay it forward at some point, but VA is a bit far for me - yet someone on this site may be closer and willing to help you out similarly. Then you will need help getting it home - you might find some help on that here also.

Buy carefully, and you will not regret joining the Mooney world!

[Bug Smasher]

The cost of the GMA 340, GTN 650 + WAAS antenna, and JPI 830 engine anlyzer would be well over $20k installed. The very nice leather interior would also cost several thousands installed. If the prebuy checks out and you can live without autopilot, this looks like a great airplane and you will be VERY pleased owning it, flying it, and doing your IFR training in it. Personal opinion, I really like the classic paint scheme too. Be sure to keep ten grand in your pocket for the unforeseen.

[The Other Red Baron]

Yeah the paint scheme on this one doesn't bother me. It's not like those retro burnt orange and avocado "classics." The lack of autopilot is a bit of a letdown but none of them are perfect.

[Heloman]

Keep in mind, buyers noses perk up at any mention of corrosion in a log book, so many owners will never let such a write up soil their airplane. Sometimes, whoever is in control of a logbook just doesn't worry about such things so they write up some minor corrosion repair, and the airplane forever has "corrosion issues." 

 

 

[Hank]

In my opinion, a good M20-C is a great airplane!

PPL checkride, 5/21/07; purchase of M20-C, 6/26/07. Ten wonderful years, many great experiences.