I would like to add one more data point to the non-Cessna group.
It sounds like you're in a very similar situation to me about 2 years ago
as I was finishing my PPL in a rental 172. I was looking at a Cessna 150
for the cheapest flying possible (5-6 gph on cargas sounded great). I
couldn't do it myself, so found a couple of "former" GA pilots who were
interested in going in on one. For about $5-10k more, we ended up with a
much more capable Cherokee (180, actually, but were looking for a 140). A
friend with a Cherokee 150 bought it to train in, per my suggestion. I
finished my instrument rating in my plane about 6 weeks ago.

If you're looking for a Sunday afternoon pattern-bopper, a C-150
would be great. For something with a bit more payload capacity and
minimally more operating/maintenance expense, a Cherokee makes a lot of
sense. It's a bit faster, climbs a bit better, and isn't marginal with
two people and a load of gas. At least here in the Appalachians, trying
to do an instrument rating with a C-150 would have been a royal pain in
the butt, since many minimum altitudes around here are 6000-7000'... takes
a *long* time to climb up there in something minimally powered. Besides,
I've figured out that I can get C-150 fuel burn (and cruise speeds) by
just throttling back to 50% power, leaning the beast, and touring the area
on $10/hour direct operating costs.

Not that I'd presume to try to sway your opinion at all. Just
saying it worked well for me.... YMMV

Good luck!
-Cory

Tom Hyslip wrote:
: I am looking to purchase my first plane, and would like an early 80s Cessna
: 152. How much should I consider the fair market price for one in descent
: shape, that is ready to fly? Also, any idea how much insurance would be
: for a C152. I only have around 50 hours, a very new pilot, and I love it.

: Thanks,
: Tom




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* The prime directive of Linux: *
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