New Pilot Seeks Mid-90s M20J MSE

[dcjohnst]

Hi Folks,

I am beginning a search for a plain 1990s M20J MSE a/c with a good IFR package. I'd look at an Encore too if there are any out there. It would be my first a/c, and getting me my instrument rating will be its first mission for me. Yes, people have told me to buy a high-time Piper first, but no I am not going to do it because the airplane market is so dysfunctional. I want to buy a plane I can stand to fly for several years. That way, I only pay for one soul-crushing depreciation instead of two.

 

Folks in DC arranged a flight in a Mooney C for me and what a great airplane! I was so pleased, I was a little shocked. Sure beats the pants off a 172. Why not buy a "C"? I've met people who were very satisfied with their mid-1990's J. What I heard was that mid 1990s J's were built after the company pulled itself back together, got back to basics and put anti-carrosive material in the fuselage and wing components. (Fewer fuel leaks?) The C's I have seen have corrosion problems to some degree, maybe it's just the damp DC climate. Both J's and C's stick to the Mooney philosophy of low-drag speed generated by a cheap-to-run, reliable four cylinder io-360. But J's have a slightly longer fuselage and less TT and pretty much the same fuel burn. Less money spent on fuel and maintenance means better care for the a/c and more time in the air learning to become a good, safe pilot. Am I right?

 

I have insurance commitments and (soon) financing and a tie-down for sure and a wait-list spot for a hangar. No rush, but if you think you might want to sell your MSE eventually to somebody who appreciates all things Mooney and the care that owners lavish upon them, you might let me know!

[scottfromiowa]

Think you mean E Model for IO-360....I too would get a J, but an '83 and newer, not necessarily an MSE. there are a couple NICE MSE's looking for homes (Mooneyspace members) Good luck in your search. Buy the best equipped lowest engine time THAT HAS BEEN FLYING and you should have a lot of fun flying...not upgrading and fixing...

[Parker_Woodruff]

I have a nice plane for you.  Encore converted Mooney 252.  Better useful load than any Encore out there and on a much cheaper purchase price.  It's been Mooney Service Center maintained and flying actively.  You want a plane that's been flying actively...next flight back to Texas tomorrow!

 

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20K-252TSE/1987-MOONEY-M20K-252TSE/1276039.htm

 

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N252BH

[fantom]

...or buy my 1994 cherry MSE, so I can buy Parker's 252

[IndyTim]

Nice job picking your way through the squall line, Parker. Where were you getting your WX info?

I have a nice plane for you. Encore converted Mooney 252. Better useful load than any Encore out there and on a much cheaper purchase price. It's been Mooney Service Center maintained and flying actively. You want a plane that's been flying actively...next flight back to Texas tomorrow!

http://www.controller.com/listingsdetail/aircraft-for-sale/MOONEY-M20K-252TSE/1987-MOONEY-M20K-252TSE/1276039.htm

http://flightaware.com/live/flight/N252BH

[Parker_Woodruff]

Nice job picking your way through the squall line, Parker. Where were you getting your WX info?

That's the good thing about Turbocharging. I was above much of the weather and could visually choose a safe route

Since obviously some weather can be hidden behind the clouds and storms you see, I ask ATC to back up what I'm seeing outside.

[KSMooniac]

If you're flexible on which J model but have an MSE budget, check on barnstormers.com and find Bill Pearson's '81 J.  He is an ATP/A&P longtime Mooney owner and has a very nice, upgraded J on the market.  It is a premium plane at a premium price, but less than most MSE's.