Of course my problem is the distance so the logistics add up.
I think I know a guy from Arkansas who bought a 150-150 with LR tanks and the Horton STOL kit up in Alaska a couple years ago.
And about 10 years ago, I think that same guy and his wife flew commercially from Arkansas to Sacramento to inspect a 152 which was a total bust but two weeks later he was in Cleveland where he found "the right" 152 and flew it home.
East Texas to New York just ain't much of a hike for the right plane.
As you shop around looking at planes, you're going to kiss a lot of frogs as you search and search. There's a lot of used junk out there, AKA the Sacramento 152.....they are everywhere.
Ideally, a buyer finds the right plane in his own backyard and life is good but the odds are against that. As the fleet continues to age, finding "the right" plane is becoming more difficult as the passage of time is taking its toll.
I don't have a horse in this race but if you pay the 2k - 3k price of admission for a plane that's being sold under "market value" (whatever that is) and you end up buying that plane, don't you end up with a plane that is close to the perceived market value?
Maybe your biggest risk is spending the 2k - 3k and end up walking away because you found an issue or two that can't be resolved, AKA Sacramento again?
The cost of your pre-buy using your IA is going to remain consistent regardless of the 150/152 she inspects. It's the travel expenses that are the wild card.
Now, if the plane was brought to you and the inspection goes well, you buy the plane and pay for his ticket home (or split it) and you're money ahead??
Just my 2 penny's worth which buys food for thought.
Jim
