On Aug 24, 4:08 am, Thomas Borchert
wrote:
Michael,

So I'm looking for low purchase price (used), low repair and
parts costs, and low $ per hour to run.

You need to be aware that having such a strong focus on the lowest
price may have inherent safety issues. You get what you pay for.

Having said that, have a look at the Ercoupe or the Piper Warrior 140.

IMHO the venerable Cessna 150 is your best combo choice for cheapest
in all three categories: to purchase, maintain, and operate as a
general purpose everyday flyer. The Piper Cherokee (not Warrior,
that's a different plane - pedantic nit here) 140 is the next cheapest
overall, and gives you the benefit of 4 seats and considerable extra
speed, but also considerable extra fuel burn. The Ercoupe has become
too much of the antique, occasional-only special purpose flyer that
you spend all your time and money fixing up into a hangar queen
instead of using as a workhorse everyday flyer out of fear you'll
break something expensive or difficult to repair on it.

The Cherokee 140 has not been holding its resale value too well
lately, as the used plane market is full of good buys in a 140 so that
may be something to seriously consider if purchasing a plane dirt
cheap today right now bears more weight than future resale value in
your decision, but the Cessna 150's have been holding their resale
value rock solid even throughout the used plane market slump over the
past year or so...


cheers,
rutger