Paul, buying a run-out, warhorse, 2-seat trainer doesn't sound like
something anyone here can recommend.

I went through a similar experience back in '98, only less so. I bought a
4-seat, 150 hp Warrior which we dearly loved, but my kids rapidly outgrew
its useful load. It was also a high-hour trainer, and we ended up fixing
virtually everything on that plane, from stem to stern, at great expense.

We sold it in early '02, and bought a 235 hp Pathfinder. Useful load
solved, lesson learned. Shoulda bought the Pathfinder (or similar) FIRST,
and I would have saved myself at LEAST $10K in the long run.

A 152 is an even worse prospect in this regard. IF it was IFR certified,
and IF you were only using it to build hours toward your commercial, or
something similar, it MIGHT make sense.

If, however, you are like the majority of us here (flying for personal and
business travel), a 152 is not going to do the job. You will end up trying
to sell it in a couple of years, after putting a new engine in it. You will
NOT get your money back.
--
Jay Honeck
Iowa City, IA
Pathfinder N56993
www.AlexisParkInn.com
"Your Aviation Destination"