Conflict of Interest?

[Buster1]

So, this thread is NOT a Willmar bash-fest...please don't go there unless you have a true gripe or experience.

I have been talking to them off and on and starting to think I may book a trip up there soon to go look at their inventory (and maybe make an offer...maybe).  Seem like great people, nice, helpful, and very Mooney smart.

But here's my issue.  They are selling plenty of Mooneys, and can do the pre-purchase inspections too...is this a conflict of interest?  I don't mean to say that they are hiding anything, or being deceitful.  But can they honestly give the plane a through inspection while trying to sell it at the same time? 

I know they are very reputable, but are they going to be unbiased when it comes to a proper full pre-purchase inspection?

BTW, they quoted me ~$500 for a PPI.  Doest that sound about right?

[Parker_Woodruff]

$500 is very reasonable.  Don Maxwell charges $850 and I consider that reasonable as well.  Don's services have saved myself and a few of my clients from very poorly maintained Mooneys.  The latest was an M20C that has come out with squawks totaling over 50% of the purchase price.

 

Wilmar has a solid reputation in the Mooney community that will be damaged if they don't do proper pre-buy services to a plane they sell.  Nothing to worry about in my opinion.  I'm also guessing that they won't have a problem with a third party shop doing the prebuy on a plane you're interested in as well.

[scottfromiowa]

I have so many positive experiences regarding Wilmer's parts department contact Dana...that I could NOT list them all.  I have not heard anything regarding anything less than above average business practices.  They have been in business selling and servicing Mooney's for a Long LONG time.

[scottfromiowa]

O.K. here is my most recent experience with Wilmer.  Brother-in-law sanded my 201 yokes...lost one of the aluminum trim caps.  I asked Dana if he could find one/had one.  He said "No", but he could send the same thickness piece of aluminum that I could have fabricated...Good solution...and I got the aluminum in the mail in three days UPS ground.  Good business and excellent follow-through!  For something that was NOT a money maker...

[carusoam]

I think you are better served by two independent viewpoints.  (Two MSCs are better than one)

Recommendation: If the plane is expensive, use the two viewpoints.  All airworthy items will be identified and properly corrected, right down to the last oil drip.

If the plane is inexpensive and you will be able to better afford changes and upgrades as desired.  Use the one well qualified viewpoint.  A small oil seep or fuel weep can be fixed at your next annual.  Sounds like there is some convenience and you are saving less than 1 AMU by going with one opinion.

For me, the difference of expensive vs. inexpensive.  An expensive airplane requires a loan.

You can't do much better than two independent MSC inspections.  Unless, the plane recently came out of an MSC annual.

My experience: I went with two differet opinions and got the oil seeps and fuel weeps taken care of prior to purchase.  The previous annual was an MSC? in Arizona.

I think the only way to do better than this is to have the warranty of a new plane...

[KSMooniac]

I would not worry about Willmar selling or brokering any Mooney whatsoever.  I believe many of the ones they list are ones they have maintained, and they do not cut corners.  Thus, you are likely to get a good one from then, albeit at a slight premium. 

$500 for a PPI is CHEAP.

[KLRDMD]

Quote: Buster1

I don't mean to say that they are hiding anything, or being deceitful.  But can they honestly give the plane a through inspection while trying to sell it at the same time? I know they are very reputable, but are they going to be unbiased when it comes to a proper full pre-purchase inspection?

[KLRDMD]

Quote: carusoam

I went with two differet opinions and got the oil seeps and fuel weeps taken care of prior to purchase.  The previous annual was an MSC? in Arizona.

[Buster1]

Thanks for settleing my nerves guys. I have heard so many good things about Willmar, I am glad to know that I can trust them to sell and be unbiased in their PPI.

Looking forward to the day........ (still a ways off I fear:-(