Welcome Matt, You've come to the right place. I won't go on too much as there are much better people to advise you than myself. The book of Mike's is very useful. plenty of time in the trade a plane, barnstormers, controllers ads is useful. But don't get too locked into the prices you see. the real cash price can be much less. ( but wasn't when I bought mine) I got wonderful guidance here, I did join before the purchase of my 150H. I was looking at nothing but L's and M's until GPB politely asked me why. The looks of the cowling was my only reason. I learned later that all the years of production had both good and less good characteristics.
In my searches I followed a few basic rules that the club and local pilots had advised.
1 Buy closer to home if at all possible, the cross counties altho fun don't save any money.
2 Corrosion is the biggest thing I look for, I tend to keep my stuff a REALLY long time. You can fix some of it, prevent more of it, but not effectively reverse it.
3 Damage history and logs are important to the resale of a pristine Bonanza, but less so in a 150-152. Most were trainers, most had a few bumps and knocks. when properly repaired, it can actually be better than one that's still original. Because of newer or updated parts
4 Reputation of a local plane. This I think is important. When everyone tends to know a particular aircraft and has consistent good or bad things to say, pay attention. Some of it will be BS, some might be very true. Always ask if THEY flew it to see if the knowledge is first hand.
5 New paint disease is difficult to overcome. When applied to an otherwise marginal aircraft.... it will still be a nice looking , for now, marginal aircraft.
6 Don't go too cheap. Trying to save money is natural. It can cost more in the long run if you don't spend enough up front to get a good one. Ironically some of the more expensive ones up front can be a better value long term.
7 The polite factor is interesting and I'm glad you brought it up. No names of aircraft are required to get a basic opinion. But when in doubt, I'd lay it out. Politely of course.
8 Check on the OTHER costs associated with ownership so you don't kid yourself or your over the shoulder checkbook holder. Insurance, annuals, upgrades, hangar rent, gas oil, and the one we all hate the OSHT fund for the stuff you learned about during your solo.
9 AOPA has a great wealth of info on their site including a valuation guide called v-ref, join em and use it.
10 Most of the others on here know more than me.
Brian's advice above is very good. The mentor to buy idea is especially good, try a few and see who you like. I had a good friend A&P that did my pre buy for free. Unfortunately, because it was free, he didn't do a very thorough job and missed several things. You get what you pay for, you hope.
Last edited by Jim_Curns; 08/28/10 11:57 PM.
