As mentioned, I'm also in the market for a plane. I have at least narrowed my choices to a few models in the Cessna line, but can't quite swing a new one, so I'm looking at used I'm frustrated to the point of almost giving up on a purchase! Seems that well priced, excellent condition planes sell within 24-36 hrs of being posted online, and they only come available every 3-4 months. I'm pretty specific in my wants as far as model, but seeing as how there are thousands of them registered and flying in the US, you'd think they would be more available...NOT!

Well, since I don't have time to devote to monitoring the internet 24/7, I've considered hiring a broker. They want somewhere between 4 and 8 percent of purchase price and I still have to pay the pre-buy, which will be approx. $2000. So, on a $200k airplane, I'm going to be paying $10-$15 grand on top of purchase price!!!? I'm having a real hard time getting my head wrapped around that!

Starting to think that I might just wait a few years and buy new, like the OP. Used planes seem like too much of a crap shoot.

jaudette wrote:

denalipilot wrote:Welcome to the forum, and best of luck with your flying goals.
My thought is that you could compare all the options under consideration, and probably get to right-seat each of them, by showing up at the Johnson Creek BCP fly-in. (Which is actually going to be someplace else this year- Gravelly Valley maybe??)
The point being, one stop shopping to view all the options under identical conditions, talk face to face with multiple owners and pilots of each, compare numerous mods and options first-hand, and possibly get some flight time in each.
As has been said, this community is a remarkable resource.
Cheers,
-DP

That's a great idea!

ha! you beat me to it. yep great idea and great ideas from y'all. looking forward to garden valley one way or the other.

guess getting back to my op, was hopeful to get a handle on concessions in price or accessories when negotiating on a new rig through a dealer. guess i'll figure that out when the time comes. once again thanks and i''ll keep you uptodate with my progress. thanks.

I'll echo what some have said before and say take your time and be patient. The right plane is out there for you and don't be sad if a deal falls through, there is another one.
Keep the emotions out of it, it's a machine and you are paying money for it. Be ready to walk away. This is just a another business transaction.

You don't need a broker, for some folks this makes sense but overall do the leg work yourself and you'll be fine.
Good luck and happy hunting.

Noticed your location - Burbank ,Ca. Stay away from Vista at White man - dusty rohades is a crook ! Bill Berle is in area and can be a lot of help. Lots of good airplanes availabl aaround the area. Better to travel to get a much better deal. Santa Paula ( Szp) is a great place to go "window shopping" . Depending on your " mission" depends on what type of airplane you need . Just because you see a " super stump jumper xr " doesn't mean you NeedD 1 .Be careful and remember its a big investment.

182 STOL driver wrote:Noticed your location - Burbank ,Ca. Stay away from Vista at White man - dusty rohades is a crook ! Bill Berle is in area and can be a lot of help. Lots of good airplanes availabl aaround the area. Better to travel to get a much better deal. Santa Paula ( Szp) is a great place to go "window shopping" . Depending on your " mission" depends on what type of airplane you need . Just because you see a " super stump jumper xr " doesn't mean you NeedD 1 .Be careful and remember its a big investment.

Ya wanna watch your ass around Chino also!!

M6RV6 wrote:

182 STOL driver wrote:Noticed your location - Burbank ,Ca. Stay away from Vista at White man - dusty rohades is a crook ! Bill Berle is in area and can be a lot of help. Lots of good airplanes availabl aaround the area. Better to travel to get a much better deal. Santa Paula ( Szp) is a great place to go "window shopping" . Depending on your " mission" depends on what type of airplane you need . Just because you see a " super stump jumper xr " doesn't mean you NeedD 1 .Be careful and remember its a big investment.

Ya wanna watch your ass around Chino also!!

George is that where you got the Anfib ? Give me a call we need to talk 702 five 8 one two 0 two two .

Don't forget Burbank California sales tax (or use tax if bought elsewhere ) of 9%, and then your property tax. You can avoid the tax if you are using it in pursuit of business or you keep it out of state for some period of time while you journey to the plane to fly it. If you go that route, I strongly recommend you spend money at the California firms that specialize in helping you avoid that tax. A dealer should be able to point you to one.

I don't know what your ties to Burbank are but establishing residency in Oregon while flying to your hearts content might be an option. Friends sold their house here, moved there to buy a new super deluxe motor home before touring the states for 2 years looking for a spot to set up a bakery. They had a great time but decided they preferred high tech and were lucky to buy a home back here during a price softening that was very similar to what they had sold - the motor home took some time to sell though.

When I bought new in 2006, I did get a 5% discount on the price and the factory (unintentionally on their part) gave me two patrol-er doors for the price of one.

Good luck

Sierra Victor wrote:As mentioned, I'm also in the market for a plane. I have at least narrowed my choices to a few models in the Cessna line, but can't quite swing a new one, so I'm looking at used I'm frustrated to the point of almost giving up on a purchase! Seems that well priced, excellent condition planes sell within 24-36 hrs of being posted online, and they only come available every 3-4 months. I'm pretty specific in my wants as far as model, but seeing as how there are thousands of them registered and flying in the US, you'd think they would be more available...NOT!

Well, since I don't have time to devote to monitoring the internet 24/7, I've considered hiring a broker. They want somewhere between 4 and 8 percent of purchase price and I still have to pay the pre-buy, which will be approx. $2000. So, on a $200k airplane, I'm going to be paying $10-$15 grand on top of purchase price!!!? I'm having a real hard time getting my head wrapped around that!

Starting to think that I might just wait a few years and buy new, like the OP. Used planes seem like too much of a crap shoot.

While there may be a few honest and ethical brokers out there, the one's I have met would sell you a Widow Maker just to make their commission.

Keep looking, be ready to travel to inspect one you feel good about, and don't lose hope.

When the right one comes along you will know it immediately.

I've bought new from Jeremy Ainsworth (Maule AK) and Bill Berle (EzFlap). I've talked with Rob who is the Aerotrek distributor in Indiana and had a demo ride with Bob, the service rep at Novato, Ca. These people have given the best service and support I have experienced across any product.

Savyaviator.com is starting a nationwide prebuy inspection program as well as operating a national maintenance service. Unless you have formed a close personal friendship with your A&P, I'd examine their offerings.

I'll suggest again to go hang around and get flights out of the airport you want to fly out of. Talk to the maintenance people there to see how friendly they are. If there are flight instructors with lots of experience, get current, sharp and ask for their opinions and thoughts - you might find a reliable plane at a good price that way.