Best single-engine airplane for the money question

Bernoulli Fan

Bernoulli Fan

Controller
I know I've seen this type of thread before, but when I search, the function won't use the word "best," so sorry for the rehash.

Looking to buy a single-engine plane in the next two years. Mission is predominantly 850 nm trips once a month. Four or six seats, budget $200,000 or less. Most important criterion is to get as close to 200 ktas as possible, although will accept down to 160 or 170 if the cost per knot makes sense. Looking for value overall. Fairly common plane for parts availability, etc. A large useful load would be the second criterion, I suppose.

So far I've looked at Turbo Saratogas, Mooney M20Rs, and PA-24-260Cs.

Opinions?
 
I've not flown a Mooney before, but as someone who loves going as fast as possible, I'd seriously be looking at them. Like probably the pre-G1000 Ovations. V-35B Bonanzas are one of the best performance bargains out there in my opinion. Useful load isn't great, but they fly so beautifully. Don't believe the stigma about them.
 
I'm a big fan of Mooneys for doing what you're wanting to do.

Also, I know this won't be a popular opinion around here, but I'd look at older Cirrus SR-22s, as well.
 
The 200 KTAS out of a single is your problem...

Lanceair IV P will do better... Turbo Saratoga or C210 or B36TC will get you close... Piper Malibu should be close too, but I'm not sure how much they run.
 
Wellll... If you can ignore the speed, I'd say a206/207 or (god forbid) a cherokee 6 would be your best bang for your buck. 210 if you want to go faster...really the 200kt requirement is going to be a bit of a problem unless you want to spend a boatload of money.
 
One important detail is missing, how many people and payload? If it's just yourself with some bags, I'd look at a Mooney. If you're looking to haul people, I'd check out the Saratogas, but like everyone else has said, the 200kt criteria is going to be tough.
 
As close to 200 ktas as possible, as I said. Primary mission is for two people and not a lot of baggage, but I'd like a reasonable payload for other/future needs. The Vans RV10 seems like a pretty good option. I'd like to buy it instead of build it, though. Anyone have qualms about buying something not built on a production line?
 
Like jrh said - Why not look at a Cirrus SR22? It has all the bells and wistle you need. Its very comfortable, flies great and you can get almost 200 KTAS with 17.5 GPH.
 
Jonathanf4 said:
Like jrh said - Why not look at a Cirrus SR22? It has all the bells and wistle you need. Its very comfortable, flies great and you can get almost 200 KTAS with 17.5 GPH.
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The SR22s I've seen for sale seem to be more expensive vis-a-vis their speed than, say, Mooney Ovations or Turbo Saratogas. Is it worth 25% more purchase price for a 10- or 20-year newer airplane?
 
Bernoulli Fan said:
The SR22s I've seen for sale seem to be more expensive vis-a-vis their speed than, say, Mooney Ovations or Turbo Saratogas. Is it worth 25% more purchase price for a 10- or 20-year newer airplane?
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Depends how long you plan to keep aircraft. Parts is a problem on some older aircraft. I think a 15%-20% might be worth it for a newer aircraft, but it has to meet the mission. Plan aircraft for 80% of your needs and you will be happy. Rent/Charter/Commercial for the other 20%.
 
While a Mooney might have 4 seats, to get that far, you're going to have a hard time taking two with any kind of baggage (tooth brushes and a sweatshirt). The A36 and C-210 seem to be your only option with the speed requirement. And even then, you are going to be far short of your speed goal. My vote goes for a Twin Comanche, even though it has more engines than you want. Prices real reasonable, redundancy of a spare engine and everything associated with it, and cheap to operate. With the money you'd save in aqusition cost, you could put that back into the insurance cost.
 
Turbo Saratoga(the saratoga has more baggage and a nose baggage compartment):
http://www.controller.com/listingsd...TOGA-SP/1981-PIPER-T-SARATOGA-SP/1197919.htm?
BE36TN (the Bonanza lack baggage, but makes up for it with speed. 80 gallons of fuel with tip tank options. I could get 13-14 gal/hr LOP @ 167ktas 8000ft.):
http://www.controller.com/listingsd...AFT-A36-BONANZA-TURBO-NORMALIZED/1225437.htm?
A36TC (no cowl flaps which limits the climb out angle on warm days. 80 gallons of fuel with tip tank options):
http://www.controller.com/listingsd...ZA/1980-BEECHCRAFT-A36TC-BONANZA/1208983.htm?
B36TC (bigger wing. 108 gallons of fuel):
http://www.controller.com/listingsd...ZA/1984-BEECHCRAFT-B36TC-BONANZA/1228847.htm?

A Mooney is not a 4 place aircraft and it lacks useful load. They are very efficient and decently quick.
 
scooter2525 said:
TBM850... probably going to break the budget though.
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Only by a little bit... I'de re-recommend a mid 90's Mooney Ovation. They're not real big, but they are good at going fast. The 210 flies like a truck, but a solid airplane none the less. If you want pressurized comfort, the P210 would be a great option. The Malibu would be a near perfect plane for the mission, but a bit above your price range. The mid eighties birds are still about $50-100K more than you want to spend.
 
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