"three-eight-hotel" wrote:

I just did a quick search and found an overhauled GNC300XL for about
$2600 (and saw another for around $2300), which like you said, gives
me
COM, DME and GPS approaches!

Bewa the GNC300 will require the installation of external
annunciation, etc. which will add considerably to the cost. The 430
does not require this. Make sure you get estimates from your avionics
shop for various installations before you commit to anything.

I'm assuming that would come with the G/S
indicator, but I'm not sure???

No. That will add more cost if your current indicator cannot be
used--it would add more cost with the 430, too..

Just buying a second COM and DME would
put me above that cost! Then, picking up a 396 for weather, TFR's,
etc. for another $2500... All that and still $2k under the GNS430!

If others have had similar experiences as far as minimal original IFR
configuration and gone the same route as discussed here, I would be
very interested in hearing what equipment you went with and what your
experience and satisfaction has been.

Five years ago I went with the older, used GPS idea. After the fact, I
wished I'd gone ahead and gotten a 430.

--
Dan
C172RG at BFM