Author Topic: Plane Purchase  (Read 464 times)

Offline BlckMgk

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Plane Purchase
« on: April 08, 2007, 12:11:39 PM »
What can you guys tell me about this plane:

1975 PIPER CHEROKEE P28


Was looking at these classifieds and it just seems a bit low on the price for an aircraft, or am I wrong?

Nice website though.

-Blck

Offline Dago

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #1 on: April 08, 2007, 01:57:29 PM »
They are decent aircraft from my experience, have a few hours in a Cherokee Cruiser.  Fairly stable, not exactly exciting performance, but it isn't what somebody buys one for.

I would ask for a pre-purchase inspection at a good shop, and find out the cylinder compressions tests.  With that amount of hours on the engine, if the numbers aren't good, you will be buying an overhaul.  Factor that into the cost of buying to get a good idea of the real value of the purchase.   Find out if there are any ADs coming due, and if so, what is the cost of compliance.
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Offline Maverick

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #2 on: April 08, 2007, 04:17:38 PM »
It looks a bit low even for the high time engine. On the plus side it is already current IFR aircraft. Assuming the engine is strong and there are no major AD's due on it it would be a good deal for someone wanting to get their PPL and IFR ticket then sell it for what you paid for it.

Remember it's a cherokee and you won't be going anywhere really fast. :)
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Offline Mace2004

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #3 on: April 08, 2007, 04:57:50 PM »
Seems about right to me considering the cost of AvGas right now and the proposal by the FAA to start charging GA user fees.  I haven't looked but I'd suspect GA prices have been dropping.
Mace
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Offline dmf

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #4 on: April 08, 2007, 04:58:39 PM »
It looks like an airplane to me, be careful with it, from what I see on tv trees don't give a lot.

Offline Habu

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #5 on: April 08, 2007, 06:06:09 PM »
Pipers have a known issue with cracks forming under the spar where the wings attach to the fuselage. For what it costs I would always get the wings removed and do a dye penetrant test on the inside surface where they attach especially below the spar.

The engine is high time and the propeller log is missing for some reason. That means you need to invest 10k or so on a new prop plus depending on the compressions and engine logs you might be looking at a major overhaul in the near future. You can estimate about 25k or so for that.

Still for a total investment of 70k you would have a solid plane with a brand new prop and engine.

Offline CptA

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #6 on: April 08, 2007, 06:13:49 PM »
Always have YOUR mechanic do a thorough review of the logs and an inspection of the aircraft prior to any money changing hands.

There may be hidden and costly problems lurking in what otherwise looks like a good aircraft.

Don't be in a hurry.

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2007, 12:15:24 AM »
It says 'total' unknow so if its not over TBO I'd bet its close. Ask em when was the last time a compression test was done and what was the outcome. Aircraft sales peaked in 2000, the market is absolutely dead and has not bottomed out yet. Alway be suspitious of a new paint job, make sure you have someone you trust inspect the plane thoughly.

Offline Wolfala

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2007, 01:05:49 AM »
I'd go onto controller and look around for a Grumman Tiger (AA-5B). You can pick them up for under 60 grand with pretty low milage. Has 180 HP 4 banger, honest 140 knots on 10 gph.

http://www.controller.com/listings/forsale/detail.asp?OHID=1115238&guid=FE897FFB5C7D4ADD80B7B169223F645F



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumman_American_AA-5


And on the bright side, you can open the canopy during those hot days and fly with the top open. Probally the best deals out there - and nothing breaks on them that isn't cheap to fix.

I just bought a year 2000 SR-20 from a guy in NM with about 500 hours on it for under 150. Gimme a buzz if you wanna chat and we can game out yr mission profile.

Wolf
« Last Edit: April 09, 2007, 01:08:19 AM by Wolfala »


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Offline jigsaw

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #9 on: April 09, 2007, 03:54:37 PM »
N15298 1974 Piper/cherokee pa28 airframt tt 3508 smoh 1367prop total is unknown   dual coms, dual VOR IFR Cert until 2008 annual is due end of june this year.

What happened to the log book for the prop? That in itself is enough to make me go... hmmm.

Offline Chairboy

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #10 on: April 09, 2007, 04:28:49 PM »
I didn't notice the missing prop log first time around, gotta say that sounds kinda dodgy too, in terms of possible hidden expenses.  

A nice mid time IFR Warrior II should sell for around, what, $45-50k?  I haven't looked recently, but you'd optionally have the 160hp.  If you get one, btw, check out pipermods.com.
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Offline Maverick

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Plane Purchase
« Reply #11 on: April 09, 2007, 06:28:40 PM »
It's going to be a fixed pitch prop most likely. If so, not hat big a deal or expensive to replace. If it's a constant speed you can replace for under $10K if you shop around. It's been a while since I priced props but I got a 3 blade scimitar bladed Black Mac for my Comanche for $7k and my AI and I strapped it on.
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