I think Bill is a bit jaded because it seems he lumps all 100HP 150s into the "standard 150" basket
You are exactly right, Tim. That is what I do. And it has absolutely nothing to do with my now owning a 150HP bird. It is purely a matter of personal expectations. And looking at things from a purely practical point of view. Please allow me to explain.
I just like to fly. And I especially like to fly the 150. I fly VFR only and believe the simpler things are, the better. Just because a 150 is newer, it does not neccessarily make it any better. Deep down, the 1968 150 is exactly the same as a 1977. The 1977 may have more "bells and whistles." But it has absolutely nothing that makes it fly any better then a 1968 model. Pretty paint, snazzy interior or complicated radio stacks don't make the airplane fly any better either. So, to me at least, I can lump all post 1968 150's together.
However, there is one difference I do have a preference for in 150's. And that is the larger baggage area. Thus, I do not include the pre 1968 150's into my "lumping together!"
So, in my very simplified vision of flying, if I was looking for a standard, (100 horsepower),150. A plain jane $15,000, or less, 150 will do just fine. Those extra bucks that other put into their airplane to make them snazzy I'll just stash in the bank to keep my airplane flying. And, to me, that is what it is all about, the flying!
Note: No offense to those that do have those gorgeous 150 and 152's out there. I still do like to look at em!
