I've enjoyed the plane but want more speed and useful load, so
am considering a factory-new C-182T or possibly a low-time
2001 or 2002 model. I'm also intrigued with the Cirrus SR-20
and might consider that as a possibility. My wife likes the
idea of new, I think mainly because she believes it would be
more reliable.

I talked to a guy last week with a 2000 Millenium Edition Turbo
206, that he has owned since new. It has been back to the factory for
a total of almost a year in the 2.5 years he has owned it. Two new
engines, now it has another cylinder going down. All this with less
that 500 Hrs. on the plane. There were also some other non-trivial
problems with the engine and flight instruments when the plane was
new.

What's going on with quality control at Cessna?

Although the thought of a new plane is attractive, there is also
something to be said about letting someone else work the bugs out
first.

WW