Keep in mind as a buyer that it is still not a "buyer's market" per se. I am seeing airplanes listed for 6 or more months without moving on the price, however and this may be an indicator of a move downward, but others would disagree and say that due to the high price of new aircraft, older birds will continue to hold or gain in value.
That said...it brings out a couple of points. Ad's in TAP and some other publications cost money, and many do not provide for the level of detail you are requesting for browsing purposes. Add to that the fact that probably a full 90% of "buyers" are tire kickers and have not seriously defined their mission and KNOW what they want. My first two airplanes I was fully engaged and approached the purchase from that basis. Once that was communicated to the buyer (whether body language or what nature of questionsing I don't know) many, but not all, buyers will rise to the occassion and provide strong support in supplying documentation. Look at Bill's recent purchase. This guy was more agile than Circe de Soliel in meeting Bill's requirements of a purchase.
Finally, if you are serious...step up to the plate yourself. Order the $10 FAA CD which will answer your chain of ownership and many (but not all) of your paper trail questions on the airplane. Why should the seller have to provide that to each and every tire kicker.
I am currently a buyer (well sort of...still kicking tires as I have not finalized my mission profile going forward), but have been a seller twice now. Both need to bend a bit to make things happen. Buying an airplane is not like buying a car...it is much more like buying real estate. Big investment, one you don't want to duplicate (if for personal use), so you are cautious and careful.
