I am in the market for an M20J

[FloridaMan]

First off, I'd like to thank Parker for taking me for a ride in his wonderful M20K.

If a Cessna 172 is like a mid-80s buick, a DA40 is a Honda Accord, the Extra 300 is a no-compromise uncomfortable race car and that M20K felt like a BMW. I have never flown in such a smooth, solid feeling small airplane as that Mooney.

The M20K 201-flyer is selling may be the right plane for me, but, being my first airplane, I feel like that one may be too nice for me and I don't exactly know what my flying habits as an owner might be. I know from my experience with turbocharged cars that they, moreso than naturally aspirated engines, don't like to not run for even a few days.

So, with that said, I think an older J is the right plane for me. Ideally, I'm looking for something with a low to mid time engine, mid-time airframe, IFR, ok radios and some form of autopilot. I think I can probably get something like that for somewhere in the 65-80k range. I'd probably keep it in a covered tie down or tied down and covered on the ramp since hangars are a good $600/month here in Tampa, with a 6+ month waiting list in some places.

I plan to add a second attitude indicator, traffic and weather as my first investment, so these items would make a prospective airplane worth more to me, but since they're more rare on older airplanes, I'm not gonna hold my breath expecting to find one so equipped.

I hope it's alright with the forum that I post an "I'm looking" thread, but I figure there are several planes available that aren't listed in the circulars and brokers to stay away from. Feel free to send me a message or post if you know of anything.

[Parker_Woodruff]

Hey Alan, it was great flying again this weekend - I'll start looking at the classifieds again and we'll find something nice.  Keep me posted on your progress.

[FAST FLIGHT OPTIONS LLC]

Alan-

Good luck with your search.  I would not have been able to sell you my bird anyway.  I’m going to want whoever takes her away to promise to always keep her in a hanger at all times J