My problem with a pre-purchase inspection is the unrealistic expectations of the prospective owner.
Most times, they don't want to pay for an annual..."Just have a quick look and make sure nothing looks fishy", then when issues arise after the purchase, they want to hang the mechanic.
A prebuy is worth nothing other than feel good-itis unless it is a thorough, comprehensive inspection.
Anything less than a complete annual, performed by a mechanic who knows where the typical hidden problems are for a specific type of airplane is a waste of time and money. And...I'm not talking Cessna's in general...I mean a specifically experienced 150 or 152 mechanic familiar with either the Lycoming or the Continental engines...or better off...both.
A comprehensive (time-consuming) logbook and FAA records search is a must. Paying for an oil change, taking an oil analysis sample, and cutting open the filter should be high on the priority list.
After all this, you begin to have an idea of the condition of the airplane. But...it'll cost over a thousand dollars to get this done....and on an plane one may or may not ultimately purchase.
It is an historical fact that people can buy good planes without a prebuy, and people can buy veritable junk and great big money pits with a great prebuy.
So...I hate it when I'm asked to do a prebuy that does not fit the scope of an annual inspection. There are regulations and manufacturer's instructions for that...and it should be the universal "pre-buy" standard. Anything short of that leaves too much to chance.
I do like it, however, when a prospective buyer gives me a list of specific items to check. That way, I'm doing exactly what the buyer wants. To leave it up to me do walk between the lines of, "Well, I don't really want an annual, but I want to know what's wrong with it." "And, I don't want to spend more than 500 dollars."... Don't waste my time, and I won't waste your money. You want the plane, you buy it. If you want an annual, I'll do it. I don't have a crystal ball. I can't tell you what's gonna break in the next 5 years. It's a game of chance. No pre-buy, no matter how expensive, will change that.
And...my biggest issue...is when someone asks me if it's worth XX,XXX dollars. I don't have a clue. Too much, too cheap...I'm not an appraiser. I'm certificated by the FAA to be able to determine if an aircraft is airworthy or not. I don't give a rat's behind what it's worth. I'm not buying it.
Last edited by Gary_Shreve; 04/21/08 04:06 PM.
