On Thu, 11 Mar 2004 06:38:56 GMT, "eddie" wrote:

Seems like I never have any good info to offer but always seem to find a
question or 10.

I'm a long time PA28 and C172 / C182 driver and I'm looking for something
faster with a little longer legs. I've never flown a Mooney but I like the
style, performance and gph numbers and some of the older ones are in my
price range.

My questions a

1.) Ballpark, what can I expect to spend on maintenance? I know the gear
and the prop add expense. Overall how does the hourly cost compare with my
PA28-161? Insurance only changes about 400.00 a year.

2.) Are there certain years/models to stay away from.

3.) Do they have any expensive, recurring AD's

4.) I know everything happens a little faster, but, other than that do they
have any nasty little gotchas. (like the narrow CG range on some Bonanzas)

5.) Are replacement parts more expensive than a Piper or Cessna?

I've looked at Mooney.com and mooneyowners.com but no really useful info
there. Just looking for experienced Mooney drivers to shed a little honest
light.

Ed


Real world numbers for an M20E (1965 Super 21) flown approximately 150
hrs/year, for the six years 1998-2003.

Over that entire time period, I spent about $120K on maintenance, fuel and
insurance.

The maintenance included a new engine, prop overhaul, and I am generally
meticulous about maintenance.

Of course, all costs are going up these days, and I do not perform any of
my own maintenance. And it takes several hours to do an oil change on my
bird.

On the "mature" electric gear Mooney's, there is a recurring AD on the gear
actuator.

Parts are generally available but expensive. I recently had to spend $350
for a starter relay from the factory.


Ron (EPM) (N5843Q, Mooney M20E) (CP, ASEL, ASES, IA)