Greetings Tim,
You came to the right place!
Congrats on two areas of your judgement -- purchasing a 150 for your first plane, and joining this club!
You are asking the right type questions...there are several "checklists" floating around from members here on buying...hopefully we can find you one to get started. IF you are a member of AOPA, they also have a Airplane Buyer's Guide I would highly recommend.
One piece of advice someone gave me when I first purchased:
"Anyone can buy a plane, but far fewer can KEEP a plane."
So, I'd also factor in future fixed and variable costs on some of the areas you have some lattitude. Things like the annual, tie-down, insurance, etc. really vary from place to place and the type plane you decide upon.
For example, "conventional gear or taildragger?" Both are great - but have significant insurance cost differences for low-time pilots.
Another example, "320 or 200?" Again, trade-offs abound! Weight limitations, range, future engine maintenance and fuel consumption, etc. are things I would consider, along with the fact you are used to a 320 and live in a high altitude environment.
Another, "VFR or IFR?" Consider the future and your desire to fly though some high overcast or some clouds on your way to a VMC destination someday...it will happen. Buying an IFR C-150 is really not that much more than a VFR one unless it has a panel-mount approved GPS installed (not that common yet).
Tim, if I had to do it all over again, I would probalby SAVE more now, before I purchased, and buy the very nicest one I could, rather than purchase a "low-price fixer-upper" but that's just me.
I have now restored several old cars and one plane, and I am here to tell you it's better to buy the one in good to excellent condition. I much prefer FLYING to REPAIRING my plane - others here will differ. These older planes can and will break your heart in the shop from time to time.
Hopefully, a member from the club lives locally or can fly to where you will buy your plane to help you out, or you can buy one from a member who is changing planes.
Check out the site, and ASK, ASK, ASK...there are plenty of great A&P's on the site always offering excellent advice.
Again, welcome to the Club and best of luck with your purchase!
Warm Regards, Mike Marra
