Club Homepage Forums Classified Ads Buy & Sell - Everything But Airplanes How much is this plane worth?

Hello again.

My quest for a 152 continues. I think I have found one that meets all my requirements, but I thought I would ask this esteemed group for some opinions.

Here are the basics on the plane:

1981 152
8910 Total Time
350 SMOH

Avionics:
IFR King Avionics Dual VOR/Glide Slope
• Full King IFR Dual VOR/Glide Slope
• KX 155A with Glide Slope
• KNS-80 RNAV
• KY-196 Comm
• KT-75 Mode-C Transponder
• KMA-24 Audio Panel with Marker Beacons

Other:
• Precision Compass
• Newly refurbished seats
• New main tires

Additional Information:
• Last Annual Inspection Feb. 2007
• Last IFR certification Sep. 2005
• Professionally maintained

I went and looked at it last weekend, and I would say overall it is in pretty good shape, although it could use a little TLC. The carpet is in pretty bad shape, and the interior plastic panels are dirty, but otherwise in good shape (no cracks, etc.)

My main concerns are:

1. The paint is a little oxidized on the top surfaces. I'm not sure how this affects the value. The owner rates it as a 8/10, but I would call the paint more of a 6 or 7.

2. The nosegear strut shows a lot of corrosion on the chrome rod. I'm not sure how much longer before there are problems with this. What does it cost to replace one?

3. The intercom is a stand-alone box mounted between the rudder pedals. I sat in the passenger seat, and there was a very poor connection between us (lots of static, etc.). This could be just corroded electrical connections, or it could be something more expensive.

4. When we went for a flight, the tower told us he lost our Mode C information. The owner fiddled with the transponder, and the tower said everything was fine, but I wonder if there is something wrong with the transponder (intermittent problem, etc.).

Other than those minor items, it is in reasonable shape. I received the FAA CD on it, and all looks in order from there (no surprises). It was flipped in 1985, but completely repaired, and I didn't see any evidence of the repair visually or in the way it flied.

Of course, I will be having a complete pre-buy inspection done by a independant third party.

OK, knowing all this, he is asking $30k for it. Is that a fair price or not?

Once again, thanks for your insights.

Hi John,
I have a 1980 152, VFR only (RT485 and New Garmin X-ponder), paint is only 3 years old,
TT is less than 6500 hrs and TSMO is less than 300 hrs.
I have the SparrowHawk conversion, Seats and carpet re done about 5 years ago.
I am NOT selling this plane but if I was I don't think I would be able to get anywere near $30K.
I think this seller is asking about $7,000 too much.

Just my 2 cents.

Sounds about right to me, too, Ron! Higher total time, average paint, damage history (repaired), About $23K, tops. The owner wants you to pay for his used radios. Never pay that much extra for used radios, especially since there may already be signs of problems. Unless you want or need the radios, the only thing this airplane has going for it is the engine. $500 right from the get-go for a replacement (used) front strut, too!

John, keep in mind, you've already picked out the positives, or you wouldn't be here. Our job on the forum is to balance your viewpoint. Sometimes that means we pick out the negatives! We're not saying it's a bad plane at all. We're just saying the price is too high.

350 hrs. SMOH is pretty good. The avionics are say, 7 outta 10.... maybe an 8. The interior can be brought up to reasonably nice condition for under a grand.

Overall, I'd say $25,000 tops.


Just my $0.02.

I'd walk.

I will be looking at a 150 this week with almost 1300 hours on the engine. I would think that would have a negative impact on the price of the bird. Carl's comment concerning radios is at work with this bird also. Basic instrumentation seems to be OK.

1300 hours ain't bad. Should be at least 500-700 hours left in the bottom end. Cylinders seem to last about 600 or 700 hours on O-200's, so check to see when the last top overhaul was. If it's been over 600 hours, it'll probably need new jugs pretty soon. Some cylinders do make it to TBO, but it's rare, and they're totally worn out by then.

We bought Juliet with a high time engine. It was advertised at 1400+, but doing the math later it was something less than that. We got the airplane VERY reasonably.

The downside is that she now has @1550 and we have been trying to sell without a whole lot of luck, in spite of the fact the engine is running strong and shows good compression.

The lesson is to analyze your objectives. If you want an airplane to fly awhile and then sell, look for a low or mid time engine. If you want to get into an airplane at a low price, understanding that you will have an overhaul down the road, then look for a strong high time engine.

Reg

John,

Are you a member of AOPA? For what it's worth, VRef calculates
a price of $32,884.52 If it really needs paint, you could deduct $4,000. This past spring I looked at a couple of 152's located here in central Ohio. The 30K seems to be in line with what they were asking... now would they have gotten that much, who knows. Good luck in your search!

Im going to put some money aside when I get ready to buy to put Carl and couple of others here on retainer to help me!!!! How much ya'll charge..???