None of the advice above fit's everybody's situation!
Any and all of the advice above will fit somebody's situation.
If you've got money, it (sometimes) makes more sense to spend it up front, rather than spend more later (not always).
But, if you don't have the money, you can't spend it!
I will not give up flying just because I'm broke most of the time (call me stubborn). I may have to postpone flying for awhile (like right now), but I will fly again! Give me one good reason why I should buy something that will tie me to the ground with payments I can't afford, when I can buy something JUST as mechanically sound (but maybe not as pretty) for a whole lot less money (and pay cash, maybe). The only thing that suffers is my pride (not really), and I don't give 2 cents (if I had it) about my pride at 3000' agl! Who cares! High dollar does not now nor has it ever meant a guarantee of high value! A diamond in the rough is still a diamond. The Hope diamond was just another rock at one time. The only real difference is the
labor! I've got labor to spare (and most of the education to use it).
If you really want value for your money, spend it on an education. Learn what makes an airplane work, and what's important about it. Low times, pretty paint, complete logs, no damage history, leather interiors, new plane smell, and the latest avionics, do not make an airplane fly. These things do raise the cost of ownership out of grasp for many of us. If we want to own at all (the only real way I can afford flying), we have to buy from the bottom of the pile! There
are "diamonds in the rough" down there. You just have to be willing to look at them for what they really are! Here's the one I found advertised in March, 2000.
"N6184G, 1970 150K, 3400 TTAF, 950 SFREM (chrome), compressions all 70's, autofuel STC, NO damage history, NO hail damage, logs since day 1, 50 hours as trainer (maybe), strobes, wheel pants, MX300 digital dual nav/com w/flip flop, Narco transponder, encoder, 2nd Narco nav, knots/mph ASI, electric clock, Narco ELT, 3LMB in com panel, stereo intercom with stereo input, new tires, new battery, 1 year old glass, EGT, interior 7/10, exterior 5/10, fresh annual, cockpit cover, parts and service manuals, $14,500 firm."
I went to New York and inspected and flew this bird, paid my money, and flew her home to Florida. The people on the ground couldn't tell she needed paint, but a lot of them suspected I was having the time of my life, and they were right! Everything worked (not just halfway, either), and that's all I needed. I flew her for 2 joyous years, then as money got better, I started restoration. Many of you have followed my on again, off again, saga. Some of you have even visited here at Haller's "Midway Island". I was forced to retire, and the money has dried up some, but I'm still making progress. I have a complete airplane (actually, 2, or 3?) and they and I will fly again, and they will make me just as proud (for probably around $20k total investment each
after restoration) as the next guy who paid much more to start with, and still doesn't have a "restored" airplane! I mean, face it! Why are most of us in this club?
Because most of us can't afford P-51's! Is there separation of the classes among 150/152 drivers? Jeesh! I hope not (but I do see evidence of it)!
No, not all advice works for everyone. Do what works for
you, and be more understanding of those who don't (or can't) do things the way you do!
Don't get me wrong! I'm not upset! But, there's more than one way to do anything, and money
is a touchy subject (especially when you're broke)! If I did it the way some of you suggest, I'd still be wishing instead of flying! (Well, preparing to fly, anyway!)
Bargain Basement Buyer, and proud of it!
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