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Different nose cowl, and prop with extension. Personal preference only. I prefer the older model using the skull cap.

Tubular vs flat leg gear. Personal preference only. I prefer the flat gear.

Cleveland vs McCauley wheels and brakes. The older Cleveland

Circuit breakers vs fuses. Personal preference only. I have yet to replace a fuse in my nine years of ownership.

Simple flap switch vs flap preselect lever. Personal preference only. I prefer the older, more reliable, switch. Would have manual flaps if it were a option.

Larger vs smaller dorsal fin. Personal preferences only. I prefer the shorter tail.

Not one of the items above change the performance values of the 150. So value is based on personal preferences only. The 1968-1970 model would be my personal preference. So thus it would be of more value. Just because it is newer does not mean that it neccessarily is better.

So, you all may ask then why I am flying a long cowled, tube geared, steel wheeled, tall tailed 150??

I just could not turn down that newly overhauled O-320 in the nose for $22,000??

I suppose everything comes down to personal preference in the end. For someone who lives in the mountains, a 150 hp engine would be highly desired over a stock 100 hp. For some who fly a lot of IFR, a Garmin 530W would be more highly preferred over an ARC 328T. The question is how much are you willing to pay for your preference? You can't lump all 150/152s in the same bucket and say a '77 has no price differential from a '67 all things being equal--they aren't equal--the '67 has 10 more years of wear and tear as well as the difference in features. You may prefer the design features of the '67 and prefer the cheaper price--good for you. Doesn't make the '77 worth any less to a prospective buyer who prefers the '77 features.

I pretty much agree with Bill, here are my few differences in opinion:

Larger vs. smaller dorsal fin. Everything considered, I'd rather have the taller tail, just my personal preference. Might just be short tail envy, I’ve never had a 150 with the tall tail.

Regarding flap switches. I've always liked the preselected switch, it just seems more convenient. ( I do understand that the preselected switch is more complicated and has the reputation of being less reliable.) Of the four airplanes I've owned, three did not have preselects, and I'm totally comfortable doing it myself. My 1966 150 had the kind of switch you have to hold both down and up, and my 1971 150 has the kind I have to hold down, but can flip up for "Set it and forget it" retraction. I certainly prefer the later, especially for T & G's, go arounds, and dumping the flaps when I want to stop in a hurry. Preselects are a similar thing, set it to 20 or 30 degrees and you can concentrate on something else. Doing it yourself takes a few seconds, that you could better use looking for traffic.

Bottom line though, I would not reject any 150 or 152 for either having or not having any option. It's mostly about convenience and personal preference. They’re all a heck of a lot of fun to fly, and you can quickly adapt to any of the different setups.

The more important issues to me are the additional luggage space in the 1966 and later models, long range tanks are preferred, and Aerobat over non Aerobat.

Hee hee! Ain't this kinda like arguing with yourself, Tim??

Just to clarify my opinion: I don't disagree with most of what Bill and Royson have said. The part I do disagree with is the statement: "Year does not matter, Tim. There is not enough difference between a 1968 to 1977..." From a flying standpoint, this may be true--similar cruise, similar stall, similar t.o. performance, etc. From the viewpoint of price however, a new plane is generally worth more (at least in my calculus) than an older plane in similar condition, equipped similarly. That's where our two opinions differ. We're talking generalities here--unlike some commodities, airplanes have so many variables that providing an exact number for a price is almost impossible without a very good looksee. I am sure there are 68s that are worth more than many 77s--it all depends on the variables of each.

What??!! Somebody on this forum might have an opinion?

I jes' gotta weigh in. Though that is getting more difficult. 210 lbs this AM!!! whoo hoo! Having the creeping cruds for two months has its upside!

ANYWAY .... there are things on the earlier models that I prefer. For instance, I think the paint-matched lower instrumental panel on the later models is hideous. I much prefer the plain panel on the '67.

I also prefer the shorter dorsel fin. I find Juliet just a little easier to land in cross-winds than some later model 150's (and 152's) that I have flown. That might also be the result of having the flat landing gear legs rather than the tubular. Maybe that is subjective, but it matters to me.

Then there are some other things ... I prefer the pre-selector flap switch. But I have learned to live with the plain switch with the indicator in the headliner above the door. I like the vernier mixture control. But that can fixed, if my Scots nature will allow ...

I also like the instrument layout in the later models a bit better. The VSI in the lower panel is not the best location.

All-in-all, if I were to buy another 150, I would probably be looking at the G model as the most desireable. But I already own a G model! How cool is that. My preferences don't usually work out that way.

Reg

what i want...

1. low engine time
2. lower airframe time
3. ifr equipped and certified
4. mostly original and unmolested panel
5. good paint and interior
6. good maintenance records

what i would like...
1. 125-180 hp
2. a "steal"

what i need...
1. something to relax in on days when the weather is good
2. to have something to fly for FUN
3. something to teach my 3 kids how to fly in

why cant there be a used plane factory where you just order what you want???

"why cant there be a used plane factory where you just order what you want???"

I'm trying, but so far my investors are underfunded!

John!!!

CAn't resist -

Ya want fries with that order?!!

John!!!

Sorry man, but can't resist -

Ya want fries with that order?!!