Bob:

I think the only airplane even close to your price range that would provide
the desired flying range is a normally-aspirated (not turbo) Arrow III or
Arrow IV. (A newer Arrow would also work, but these are very much more
expensive). These Arrows have 72 US gallon (usable) tanks and burn under 9
GPH at 65% power while providing a TAS of around 135 kts. (More like 141
kts at 75% power, but the extra fuel burn reduces range.) Thus you get a
range of over 900 nm with VFR reserve, but you will be flying non-stop for
about 7 hours getting there. Take a relief bottle. I co-own an Arrow IV,
and I consider its outstanding range to be one of its best features.

With retractable gear and a constant speed prop, the Arrow is considered a
"complex" airplane, but in reality is very easy and pleasant to fly.
Nothing beyond the skills of a typical low-time pilot assuming proper
transition training.

A good Arrow III or Arrow IV will cost about twice what you want to spend,
so you might consider a partnership. Such an arrangement works great for
me.

--
-Elliott Drucker