1979 MOONEY M20J N137DM

[Maverick4189]

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1979-MOONEY-M20J-201/1239835.htm

 

I saw this today. As me and my family are looking for a 201/Bonanza this seemed like something I would be intrested in. As I looked more It seems underpriced for low time engine and the avionics it has. Makes me wonder what they aren't saying about it. Maybe a more experianced person could tell me something I am missing? Thanks in advance

[jetdriven]

missing original airframe log from 1979-1986.  3-blade prop, not the best prop.  When was the engine overhauled? By whom?

[Maverick4189]

the panel is great for me. Ive been flying a 182 with a 696 and a 530 already so the change wouldnt be bad. Both you you said a bad things about the 3-blade prop. Is there a reason for that?

[Maverick4189]

Quote: JimR

It just adds weight to the nose and robs useful load.  Probably costs a few knots in speed and adds to overhaul costs.

[Kwixdraw]

Looking for a 201/Bonanza... two very different aircraft.  I was set on a Bone before I bought my Mooney. Now I'm glad with how it worked out.  You will want to put the family in both and fly both if possible before you plunk down money. The 201 worked out well for me when the kids were small. We could load up with camping gear and do nice weekend  (2-3 day) trips and not be overloaded or short of anything. I'm sure a Bonanza would do the same but be sure your family can handle the passenger set up. As far as piloting/flying qualities, lurk or join ABS and see what they talk about as far as cg issues for the model you are interested in. 35s require attention to cg as the fuel burns off or you can get yourself into a bad situation. Mooneys are more forgiving in that regard. Mooneys have their caution areas too but I'm just pointing out that you really want to be sure you are comfortable with the overall aircraft before you start planning the details.  I have time in the B-35 and friends that own them. Sometimes we each long for the other's plane. Overall though I'd say the Mooney is easier to live with and afford to fly.

[Becca]

Quote: Maverick4189

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1979-MOONEY-M20J-201/1239835.htm

 

I saw this today. As me and my family are looking for a 201/Bonanza this seemed like something I would be intrested in. As I looked more It seems underpriced for low time engine and the avionics it has. Makes me wonder what they aren't saying about it. Maybe a more experianced person could tell me something I am missing? Thanks in advance

[Becca]

Quote: Maverick4189

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20J-201/1979-MOONEY-M20J-201/1239835.htm

 

I saw this today. As me and my family are looking for a 201/Bonanza this seemed like something I would be intrested in. As I looked more It seems underpriced for low time engine and the avionics it has. Makes me wonder what they aren't saying about it. Maybe a more experianced person could tell me something I am missing? Thanks in advance

[N33GG]

I would not be excited about the Edo/Century 21 AP, NSD360 and attitude gyro.  The Century 21 does not include altitude hold.  Perhaps there is another altitude hold on board?  The Century 21, NSD360, and Edo AG could get expensive to maintain.

I would strongly prefer a King 150 or 200 AP and HSI.

FWIW...

[bnicolette]

Quote: N6719N

I would not be excited about the Edo/Century 21 AP, NSD360 and attitude gyro.  The Century 21 does not include altitude hold.  Perhaps there is another altitude hold on board?  The Century 21, NSD360, and Edo AG could get expensive to maintain.

I would strongly prefer a King 150 or 200 AP and HSI.

FWIW...

[KSMooniac]

I wouldn't scratch it off my list if I were shopping today.  The metal 3-blade prop is a deduction in my opinion for the reasons already mentioned, but not a deal-breaker.  The panel is nicely updated and could continue to be improved with a PFD when that Century stuff quits.  Perhaps by then Avidyne will have their DFC90 autopilot ready for Mooneys too.  Missing the first 7 years of logs isn't as critical as missing the last seven!  It has 26 years of logs, and a good PPI should uncover any warts that might have been documented in the first 7 years.

Other things to check... were the fuel tanks resealed, and if so when and by whom?  Who and when on the engine overhaul?  Has it been flying regularly since the overhaul?

The paint still presents well to me with non-hideous colors.  The interior could use some modernization as well, but that isn't a deal-breaker either.  The Garmin goodies and recent engine are very nice.

[NotarPilot]

I think you need to keep in mind that you will probably never find the perfect plane with everything you want in it unless you ordered one new from the factory and even they aren't building new planes right now.  You have to compromise when buying a used airplane.  Having said that, this looks like a nicely equiped plane that I would have been happy to own.  I'm not crazy about the paint and interior or the three-bladed prop but it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.  If the engine is mechanically sound then I am more of a panel and avioncs guy but only you can make those decisions.  Best of luck in your search.