Pre-buy Inspection

[teethdoc]

Is it not pretty standard to have an airplane flown to your home facility (200nm away) to do a pre-buy inspection once a bonafide offer has been accepted? I just want to make sure I'm not being unreasonable.

[Jeev]

As long as you pay for the cost to get it there and back I don't think it's unreasonable.

[craigsteffen]

Is it not pretty standard to have an airplane flown to your home facility (200nm away) to do a pre-buy inspection once a bonafide offer has been accepted? I just want to make sure I'm not being unreasonable.

My experience is very small, but I've just done this (as the buyer). Before doing so, you'll want to make sure that all the terms are understood. The buying price, the size of the deposit, and most important: which things, if found, will terminate the contract and how much of the deposit you get back in that case.

Craig Steffen

[RobertoTohme]

You're not being unreasonable, I've asked the same on all the aircraft I've bought over the years and got it, under the following guideline: Pay for the fuel and pilot (if other than the owner), and be ready to inspect the plane promptly upon arrival so you can turn it around quick and make the decision within a day after negotiating squawks found. If the seller is really considering your offer he should jump at it, specially if it's just 200 miles...

[teethdoc]

I think it's the broker getting in the way instead of the owner.

[gregwatts]

It is not standard, but I don't think it is unreasonable either. Your offer should be contingent on a pre-buy inspection at a facility agreed upon by both seller and buyer.......prior to making a deposit!

This is a buyers market! There are plenty of deals out there. 200 miles is a little over an hour away.......no a big deal! If the broker doesn't like it, let the broker buy the airplane.

I have puchased 5 airplanes. I have not had favorable experiences with brokers. I believe they don't want to sell the plane because they get to fly around in the seller's plane "giving demos".

My opinion only!

[PTK]

I think it's the broker getting in the way instead of the owner.

[PTK]

It is very reasonable. You pay for transportation and inspection. They pay for squawks found. If you decide to buy you close at your location. Brokers often do get in the way and try to steer you to shops they work with. They do not have your (buyer's) best interests in mind. They just want to do what's easiest and best for them. 200 NM is nothing. Seller should jump at the opportunity. It's a buyer's market.

[Becca]

200 miles is totally reasonable, especially if you have a purchase contract (pending inspection) and maybe put up ernest money.

[rbridges]

I would definitely have my mechanic or a neutral MSC do the inspection. 110% not their guy or shop.

[carusoam]

The question is to fly it 200mi being standard...?

It's no big deal if the sale goes through. But how do you handle the tough discussions if the sale fails?

As buyer, you are usually responsible for the costs associated of flying the plane back and forth (if necessary).

When you are buying from a reliable broker, they have this experience. If you are buying from an individual, that becomes very challenging.

When I bought my Ovation, the sales group had filled the tanks with gas and flew it across TX to an MSC for a PPI.

When I bought my C, the sales group flew it across town to a mechanic where a PPI was performed.

I would put the question in light of the value of the transaction and the capabillities of the seller.

Who will be flying it?

Either way, it won't be free...

Best regards,

-a-

[Wildhorsesracing]

It is not unreasonable. I was selling my last plane (in 2011) I flew it all over NC/SC to show it to prospective buyers and their mechanics. I enjoyed the flying and they always paid for my expenses.

[Alan Fox]

I have sold 5 planes , I will not allow a shop I use or do buisness with do a prebuy , I dont feel its fair to the buyer , I won't move the airplane unless there is a deal in place , and a deposit in place (minum of 500 dollars) , depending on the sale price , I will haggle the items found on prebuy , or I will make a deal , no deal price....If a person won't make a 500 dollar deposit on an airplane , In my opinion he is not a buyer , just a tire kicker.....

[carusoam]

Carusoam's guide to purchasing used machinery.

(1) See it in person first. Tire kicking 101.

Backing out now doesn't cost a thing but your time spent.

Making an "earnest money" payment now can keep other people from buying the machine out

from under you.

(2) fly it second. Tire Kicking 102.

Backing out costs fuel and other peoples time.

(3) Agree on final price and any other details such as PPI and AW issues, third. Serious Intent 101.

Consider completing your down payment at this time. Your downpayment should be refundable

In the event the sale is not completed.

Put these details in a written purchase agreement.

Protect your down payment in writing.

(4) Perform PPI, fourth. Serious Intent 102.

Get best Mooney Mechanic/organization that you can afford or find.

Costs are now measured in AMUs. Backing out now is most likely a surprise.

It's probably a surprise to the seller as well as the buyer, like an unfixable AW issue has cropped up.

Bailing out now is better than later, even though significant dough has been spent so far.

(5) Fix any AW issues, fifth.

AMUs are mounting, but the expectation to finish the deal is strong.

It is USUALLY up to the seller to cover the AW expenses, but there are several things you

MAY want to fix that may be expensive as well.

(6) Have insurance and finance in place, sixth.

Know how many hours you need to bring pax.

(7) Begin transition training, seventh.

Get best Mooney Piloting expert that you can afford/find

(8) Hang up keys, begin celebration....

Saying it twice, cause things do happen...

Do not move your investment without insurance. At least cover what you may hit, in the event you are into taking large capital risks.

I used to sell $1MM machinery and really enjoyed the process itself...

This is not legal guidance or advice. As Gary would point out, YMMV.

All, let me know your thoughts...

Best regards,

-a-

[AcclaimML]

Just my 2 cents, any plane is a big financial undertaking to buy and to keep airworthy. No PI by a mechanic of your choosing? I'd run the other way from that deal. Just MHO.