First, thanks to all of you who posted those messages concerning this 15M purchase. All of this information has been helpful. Incidently, I have been looking for at least one year. Either the airplanes I have seen turned out to be schlock, or they were purchased within 2-3 days sight unseen.
I did speak with my A&P/IA about this airplane. Two things bothered him. First, the engine was represented to be overhauled to new limits and with new parts and in fact the engine was overhauled to service limits with reconditioned parts. True, the Millenium cylinders are new to the engine a few years ago, but reconditioning them doesn't make them new. It is likely a good field overhaul, but it is a field overhaul!
Second, my A&P told me that he does lots of pre-purchase inspections (charges about $400 and needs the airplane a good 8 - 10 hours). He said many sellers from several states away fly these planes to him as part of the agreement at no charge. So why would this seller refuse to fly the airplane to my airport 30 miles away!? And, the seller insists that if he flies the plane to my airport, he wants the pilot compensated for waiting around 10 hours. Walk away from this one is his recommendation.
I called the seller and told him of my decision and why. He got very angry. "How dare you question my mechanic's work! He put his heart and soul into it! You pick too much on airplanes and you will never find one. You spoke to several IA'a? What do IA's know!? they don't overhaul engines!? Pre-purchase inspection is your responsibility, I don't need to fly the take the airplane to your A&P cause it speaks for itself! Don't come to me again if you cannot find an airplane!"
I am pretty sick about not getting this one. I did have my heart set on it. But my brain said no, and I ended up listening to it. Maybe I am too picky, but airplanes are expensive to keep up and I don't want my wallet destroyed. Anyway, my search continues.
Steve
