I'd guess that the biggest advantage of buying a new plane is getting
exactly what you want -- paint, avionics, interior, options, etc.

How much is crazy worth? You'll pay double (or triple) the cost of an
equally good (or, maybe, not as good) aircraft if you go that route.

Our '74 Pathfinder needed a new engine right off the bat when we bought it
in early '02. Since then we've added new:

- CD Player/Intercom
- Engine Analyzer
- Com Radio
- Overhead plastic
- Leather interior
- Carpet
- Color GPS
- Tires
- Attitude Indicator

Additionally, we've detailed the plane inside and out, and had the
fiberglass tip-tanks redone and repainted. Later this week, the interior
refurbishment will be completed, with the side panels and door
reupholstered. (And it looks like I'll be adding a new DG to the list
soon...)

Total cost? Waaaaay less than half the price of a new Archer -- which is
the closest thing Piper still builds to our 235 horse Pathfinder. And an
Archer is a pale shadow, at best -- our plane will out-perform an Archer (or
an Arrow, for that matter) in every measurable parameter.

AND it smells brand new inside. :-)

To me, anyway, buying new is crazy.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"