I'll agree to a point Lionel... [color:"red"]So...here are my base needs - 50 hours/yr, VFR, plan to keep it for > 7 yrs, if I spend $27K US on it, I don't want to be doing a complete engine overhaul or paint in the first 5 years[/color]
I am at the stage of "Competent Incompetence"...meaning that I realize I know very little about the marketplace...and I can't ask an intelligent question yet.
So, what's the best value? I'm not sure yet...although I've realized from the members that a 0 time engine is likely not worth the premium as I'd only fly 50 hours a year...getting to TBO would take me 36 years.
Personal preference? I filter that out. I value posts like Dale's that sense my issue (without me even knowing it) and give tips on how to mitigate the risk.
Rob excellent points,, As well if you determined the top end you'd pay, and from the looks of it you have, for that price you should be able to find one towards the top end of the scale,, IE probably avionics you'll be proud to show off, and fairly low time engine. I would imagine this would also include fairly decent if not new paint. One consideration to keep in mind regarding engine hours when you make your purchase. How long do you plan keeping it, at say 50 hours/year,, what time will it have if you plan reselling. I purchased mine roughly 2 years ago,, as a buyer, I was looking for an airplane that was "mint condition" with low time ours. Now, I looked all across Canada,, and then turned my look into the US, I did find 1, in Texas that had the colour scheme I wanted, with low hours on engine and redone interior, carpets, radios, plastics. In other words, something I could pay for, fly and not have to worry about having to do a bunch of stuff to it. So, did I pay more for this,, YES I did, The only problem is,, and this isn't my first time doing this,, and I'm sure many will agree with this, We're so proud of our 150's that you start doing little things to them,, Consequently, since I bought mine, that really didn't need anything,, Looking at the stuff I bought and installed,, I'm into this by another 5-7 thousand, and counting. The one positive thing,, Haven't had to do paint, engine and accessories, seats, avionics, although I am salivating over those new 530 Garmins. So, i guess what I'm saying is,, once you've evaluated your needs,, found the one that you want, step back a minute and consider what extra's you will probably want, and if it has a portion more of those things, go for it. The same analogy would apply to vehicles. There are many 70's 60's vehicles around that I'd love to own and drive. Why, because of the condition and up keep that the owner has put into it. This was a bit long, but hope it helps you,,
