Looking into purchasing an M20C - considerations?

[Rangoon]

I'd love to purchase an M20J, but I just don't think I can afford the acquisition cost compared to the M20C's I'm seeing. I can handle the relatively slower speeds, as they are still better than many other airplanes in the same price range. A couple concerns I have:

1) Age - many of the C models I'm seeing are from the 60's. I'm very accustomed to flying that vintage of aircraft generally, so no qualms about it from a safety standpoint, but is there anything else to consider with Mooneys specifically that are that old? Interior materials, etc.? Anything to look out for regarding avionics? Landing gear system? 

2) Parts availability - are these older ones problematic or more expensive in this regard? 

Anything else to consider when weighing the more palatable purchase price of a C model compared to the value of a newer, more capable J model? 

Thanks!

[MikeOH]

I don't think either of your two concerns are the one you should worry about.

To be honest with you, if you are that concerned with affording the difference in acquisition cost between a C and a J please make sure you can assume the ongoing costs of operation of whatever you buy, which will dwarf that difference in acquisition cost.

[Hank]

Note that there are generally three versions of the C:

1. Rounded back window, shotgun panel, difficult to remove cowl, short rudder. Manual gear, hydraulic flaps, push-pull throttle (mixture may be center or on the right).
2. Square back window, cowl with cheek panels, may have shotgun panel, may have electric gear, may have electric flaps.
3. Square back window, cowl with cheek panels, angled six pack panel, electric gear, electric flaps, throttle quadrant.

My C is Type #3 above, and I really like it! 

[DCarlton]

Take a look at the production numbers for the ‘65 to ‘67 years.  Those are thought to be some of the best years; flush wing riveting, etc.   I’ve always thought that higher production numbers may yield more opportunities for salvage parts.  So far, over 20 years, I’ve not had a problem obtaining parts….  The things that folks seem to worry about are common to most Mooneys.  
 

https://www.mooneyevents.com/chrono.htm

[C.J.]

It would depend on which particular 1960's vintage M20C you're looking at. Some are a good value while many will be dogs. I hangar next to a MSC and most of the C's I've seen over the past 2 years are in pretty sorry shape. If the seller & all the previous owners have maintained it properly, then you won't have much to be overly concerned with. Check the logbooks - a 55 plus-year-old plane should have more entries than just oil changes and pencil-whipped annuals. I've seen Mooneys that hadn't had a prop overhaul in 30 years. The interior plastics will more than likely be yellowed & cracked. I'm currently repairing & painting mine. Old avionics can be a problem - any repair on a vintage Narco MK12D will set you back at least $500 and you'll still have an old radio. Fuel tank leaks are a problem - your choices are a tank reseal or bladders and they are a significant expense. My 65C has a Johnson Bar which I believe is a better option than electric landing gear. 

Best of luck in your search. You've come to the best place for advice. Welcome to MooneySpace.