Thinking of buying a 252...thoughts?

[Buster1]

Hey all.  I'm the new guy.  i'm about a year away from buying...seems like the mooney is the right plane for me and I have been researching for 3-4 years now.

I am drawn to the 252.  I'd love a bravo, but have read about more maint costs and such.  The 252 seems like a sharp plane, reasonable maint and affordable overhauls.  I've only got about $200k to "invest."  Still debating on the turbo/non-turbo issue, but leaning for a turbo due to some western flying in the family mission.  is TKS worth it too?

Interested in your thoughts.  Thanks!

Buster

[Parker_Woodruff]

You might even be able to find the successor to the M20K 231 and M20K 252.  That was the M20K Encore.  It was built in 1997 and maybe 1998.  It got a bit more power and useful load.  I'd get the TKS.  You're going to want it at some point.  I wish it was possible to make my M20J FIKI, and I live in Texas.

[MooneyMitch]

I too was drawn to the 252.  I think it is a fantastic Mooney.  I was also considering the TLS/Bravo.  Yes, more maint. costs due to the turbo, including overhaul costs for both the engine and turbo.   The decision was made not to go turbo based on our type of flying.  We just wouldn't have used the plane in the atmosphere for which it was designed. 

The Bravo uses more fuel than the 252, which was a drawback for me.  I did like the longbody feature of the Bravo though.  With that said, the 252 is also very physically attractive with that longer cowling.   There are some 252 and Bravo owners on this site that may help you as well.  Find out all you can about each model you are interested in, seek out owners of each model, and you will come to the correct decision.

Also, there is good "pre-buy" information via Google on most Mooney models, including the Bravo/TLS M and the 231/252/Encore K models.  Don't leave out the normally aspirated R and S models either.  

Best to you. 

[MooneyMitch]

By the way.  There is a really great looking 252 Encore listed on Controller with All American Sales.  The Encore, as you may know, has the higher gross weight increase from the previous 252's. 

[Buster1]

Saw that one!  The 97 Encores are SWEET and what I'd be shootin' for.  Gotta wait about a year, if it's still there, I may have to get serious.

Thanks for the great tips and advice guys.  Are there any big "Warnings" out there for any of the Ks or Ms?

I ordered my "those Mooney airplanes" book from Mooneyland the other day, haven't seen it yet, did I waste my $39?

[RHHolt]

I've got a '86 252, it is my 2nd Mooney. First was an '82 201. Great bird but I wanted more speed and altitude for flying in the Intermountain West. My 252 does 180 kts. (73% power) above 14k and burns a little less than 12 gph doing so. The downside is uselful load, 340 lbs. with full fuel. I rebuilt the engine, new interior, paint and went through all the systems. Installed a JPI 930 and recently, a Garmin G600. The 201 is a good ride but can't match up to the 252 for speed and flight envelope.

[GeorgePerry]

Quote: Buster1

I am drawn to the 252.  I'd love a bravo, but have read about more maint costs and such.  The 252 seems like a sharp plane, reasonable maint and affordable overhauls.  I've only got about $200k to "invest."  Still debating on the turbo/non-turbo issue, but leaning for a turbo due to some western flying in the family mission.  is TKS worth it too?

[etekberg]

Quote: RHHolt

I've got a '86 252, it is my 2nd Mooney. First was an '82 201. Great bird but I wanted more speed and altitude for flying in the Intermountain West. My 252 does 180 kts. (73% power) above 14k and burns a little less than 12 gph doing so. The downside is uselful load, 340 lbs. with full fuel. I rebuilt the engine, new interior, paint and went through all the systems. Installed a JPI 930 and recently, a Garmin G600. The 201 is a good ride but can't match up to the 252 for speed and flight envelope.

[RHHolt]

etekburg,

Yeah, it is a nice panel. I sent off that reply as I was tired and going to bed, I neglected to mention the 530/430 stack that shares data with the G600. The system works pretty well but does take some getting used to. Right after the installation of the G600, Garmin announced that all subsequent G600 deliveries will come with Synthetic Vision. So i took it back in and the dealer installed the upgrade. Awesome! The G600 interfaces nicely with my KFC-150 and Garmin claims their GPSS steering is as good or better than any in the industry.  In addition to being a great tool, the WX weather has been fun to discover and play with, but with Center in my headset all the time I haven't subscribed to music. I'll take some pictures and get them off to you.

 

[231Pilot]

MAPA's website has good articles on test flights of most Mooney models, including the M20J 201, M20K 231, M20K 252, M20M (Bravo) and M20S Eagle. There are also good articles on Pre-Buy inspections for the J, K, M, and S models.  You will find them under the "MAPA Log Sample Articles" tab on the home page.  These can help a prospective buyer get a better handle on what to expect from a plane in cost, performance and as to whether or not the aircraft fits his or her mission.

[Earl]

I own a 1986 252 and it is indeed a fantastic airplane from the standpoint of performance and cost.  I bought at the peak of the market and right now prices are absolutely great.

I regularly fly from Atlanta to Houston into headwinds and don't have to stop for fuel and still have plenty of IFR reserves.  I usually fly alone on business so if my bladder gives out I have a little john which does the trick.

Mine had 200 SMOH (Mattituck) and after I bought it I overhauled the prop (~$2,000) and added a Garmin 430 (pre-WAAS).  Sadly my shop didn't notify me about the $1,500 upgrade deal to WAAS so I missed that...grrrrr. I'll suck it up and do it at some point.

My annuals generally cost around $2,000 and the maintenance has been pretty reasonable so far.  Just the usual $200 here and $200 there.

Next week I am adding the JPI EDM-730 at a Mooney Service Center.  Considered the 830 but I think the 730 is a better deal because you can plug the current fuel flow meter output to the 730 without the extra cost of the 830.

Useful load is definitely the planes biggest shortcoming.  The guy I bought it from said he regularly flew it with four adults and luggage and I just don't believe it.  If he did he was over gross even if he was really light on fuel.  Wth two adults, reasonable bags and full fuel you are at gross.  Add another and you need to leave out a lot of fuel.  Like all Mooneys it is a sports car inside which is to say it has a small cabin.  Having said that, I am 5'11" and 220 pounds and am very comfortable.  I have  a friend who flies with me reguarly and he is 6' and 240 lbs and it is cozy.  The only other thing I wish it had was the KAS 297 (altitude pre-select and vertical speed select).  I looked into putting that into the plane and it will cost $15K and just doesn't make sense.  Better to add a new STEC autopilot for about the same cost.  The final issue, which is common to all Mooneys is leaking fuel tanks.  At some point I am going to have to suck it up and pay to get them resealed.  This is not a cheap project.