I've got a few hundred hours in 172s and I like them. For certain missions they are just the ticket. Roomy, stable instrument platform, long legs, handles crosswinds well, carries a respectable amount of ice
(long story), economical to operate.
If you think of the Cessna 150 as the VW Bug, then the 172 is kind of like the K-Car, family sedan. Ubiquitous, not sexy, but reliable, capable and economical. I'd like a little more speed out of them, but that speed would come at a cost. That cost would likely be a C-177RG or C-182
I flew a 180 HP C-172 around the San Jose, San Francisco bay area and that seemed to be just the right match for the 172. Didn't give you much more speed, but the increased climb capabilities were just what was needed in the high density altitudes and mountains between San Jose and Reno.
The C172 XP is a nice upgrade as well.
Now, just how far have we gotten this thread off track?
Anyone interested in buying a Tiger?
