Buying advice for a first time owner

[cstoffel22]

I am looking to buy an airplane and am in the process of trying to figure out what make and model would best suit my needs and be the most fun to fly. I am an ATP, but haven't flown single engine pistons for a while and am interested in either a longer Mooney such as an M20F, a V tail Bonanza or a Cessna 210. I would mostly be flying myself around but would like to take my (tall) adult kids occasionally on trips. I have flown an M20C and loved the way it handled and how fun it was to fly, but I am wondering how much leg room there is in an M20F for someone who is 6 foot tall. Another factor is that my budget is limited to 100k or under so I have been mostly viewing 1960s versions of the Mooneys, Bonanzas and 210s. Any insight anyone has here would be much appreciated and if anyone has flown all three and can make a comparison that would be great!

[Mobius708]

I'm in the same boat, looking for G/F models around that year and price.

My unknown with the market is how much do people normally negotiate? What kind of markup is the dealer/broker really using?

What part of the country are you in? I've become quite familiar with the availability of the different models over the last few weeks and might have some recommendations.

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[Hank]

All Mooneys are the same in the front seats. Mid- and long body front seats slide back further in flight, and have more back seat legroom and baggage space. 

Short bodies:  A, B, C, D, E

Mid bodies:  F, G, J, K

Long bodies:  L, M, R, S, TN, U, V (and Ovation, Eagle, Acclaim, Bravo etc.)

Your budget will buy a good short or mid-body.

O-360 (carb):  A, B, C, D, G

IO-360 (injected):  E, F, J

These are the ones you will look at. I'm 5-11 and fit the front of my C nicely, but would have trouble carrying someone my height behind me. But I have flown 4 adults! (My wife behind me is 5-3.)

[Utah20Gflyer]

I’d say the backseat of a mid body Mooney would easily accommodate a person up to 6’4”,  I’ve sat in the back seat of my plane and at 6’2” I have a couple inches between me and the front seat.  
 

How much negotiation varies widely.  A plane in good condition that you have a fair amount of interest in and would like to actually purchase there probably is only a small amount of negotiation.  If you are going after planes with issues and are willing to make 50 offers before you get a deal then there might be a big discount (eventually).  

[BrianWilkins]

I'm 6'1" and find my E model very comfortable in the front. Remember that Mooney's sit like sports cars with your legs almost straight out in front of you. And don't let anyone tell you that Mooney's are smaller side to side than any Piper, etc. because they're all almost identical. As for the backseat, I can haul one regular size adult or two kids comfortably, or it can seat two -small to regular size- adults somewhat uncomfortably unless it's a short flight.

You can get a very nice C or E for under $100k.

[DCarlton]

6’1.5” 215 lbs.  No problem with my F.  Once your in the seat it’s comfortable.  Plenty of leg room. 

[PT20J]

Leg room is not a problem. But the design puts the instrument panel closer than many. Often people put rudder pedal extension on so that they can move the seat back farther from the panel. Extension kits are available in 1.5" and 3". Later models had vertically adjustable seats.

If you buy from Jimmy Garrison (great choice) or another broker, you are going to pay a mark up -- he's got to eat. But the broker provides a service by weeding out the junk and being realistic about pricing. 

[bigmo]

+1 for using Jimmy or another experienced Mooney broker. If the overall transaction cost a few percent more, then it was money well spent.

 If you can kick your budget up to $120k, it’ll open up the higher end of the ‘turn key’ market (nice interior, modern panel, etc.). But there are some solid planes out there for $100k.

For a reference, I paid a little north of $100k. Low time engine, good paint, decent seats, generally good avionics, good WAAS navigator, good A/P with altitude hold and GOSS. I’m putting about $15k extra in it to make it really perfect (some new avionics, new leather, etc). I’ll have $120k in it then and could not find something that nice on the market for that. Hope that helps with pricing

PS - if a plane is priced right, it sells. Fast. 

[Pinecone]

11 hours ago, PT20J said:

If you buy from Jimmy Garrison (great choice) or another broker, you are going to pay a mark up -- he's got to eat. But the broker provides a service by weeding out the junk and being realistic about pricing. 

He/They can also work to find a plane that fits your needs.  Model, equipment, price range.  Tell him your dreams and he will try to make it happen, or as close as you can afford.

 

[cstoffel22]

Thank you all for the feedback and insight it is greatly appreciated!