Doug wrote:

What sort of cost is there in owning and running a Cessna 340?

Take the cost of maintaining a 310 and double it, assuming you want to keep the turbos and engines in good shape,
and keep the pressurization working. Well, maybe not quite double, that would be a 421.

The 340 is a very nice airplane provided it isn't overloaded and you actually calculate W&B like you're suppose to.
Like most light twins, if you loose an engine down low it can become unmanagible in a hurry. On the other hand, if
you're crusing along at FL200 (which is does nicely if not too heavy), and you loose and engine, it has a lot going
for it to get down safely.

Another item is weather radar: a few of them have good, well-maintained radars. Most don't, though. If the radar
doesn't work well, or if you don't take lessons from an expert on how to use it correctly, it can get you in
trouble.

And, because the airplane will go into the low flight levels, ice becomes more of an issue, unless you carefully
avoid it. Only really well-maintained, properly used boots will help at all. That isn't cheap, either. That newer
"squirt" system works better, and would be great if it is STCed for the 340.

Bottom line for me: I've a brief bit of time in a couple of well-maintained 340s. I consider it a fine machine for
its class. I have a lot of 310 time, and found the 340 a bit more manageable.