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I have a lot of time in a 140/150hp. The one I have driven - a 66 - the most, has been stripped and polished and cruises at 120 mph indicated. On the other hand a friend has a painted (original paint in poor shape)140/140hp that only indicates 100mph.
Now granted I live in Southeast Alaska and most days are standard days, but, I am never worried about gross weight ( I do stay within limits). Fill it to the tabs, 17 gallons per side, and you can fly at 120 mph for 3 hours and still have plenty of reserve. Fill the tanks, 25 per side, and you had better have a strong bladder. The book says 8 1/2 per hour but I plan for 10 per and fly at 2350 rpms.
I land this airplane on a 1200' unimproved strip on a regular basis and have no problems even with 4 FAA (170 lb)adults aboard.
The plane, in my opinion, is the best dollar for dollar value going. It does feel heavy on aproach when you close the throttle, compared to a Cessna, but it lands easily and with regular maintenance the gear is bullet proof.
Trim tab, who cares? Once you get used to it you will ask yourself why Cessna never figured this one out.
As far as the brakes go, the brake handle is located close to your right hand and works well. I find myself reaching for it when I drive other planes that have toe or heal brakes, habit I guess. Don't worry about it, if you want buy one that is equiped with toe brakes or have them installed. I'll bet that once you fly the plane you won't think twice about reaching for the brake lever.
Approach speeds in a Piper vs Cessna is in my mind the most significant difference. Plan on landing (a gross loaded) Piper about 10kts faster than a Cessna and when you flare the plane will land, I mean right now! Unless you have a very strong head wind or are extreemly light there is NO float. This plane wants to land which is great in a strong cross wind.
My wife works for a local 135 operator and he had over 30 Pipers from Chieftains to Archers and just about everything in between and I have flown most of them. GREAT airplanes you won't be disapointed.
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