Plane for 100k

[lcn]

Hello all. I am looking to buy my first plane and am looking for advice. I need a plane that will haul 4 people with baggage and will be doing a lot of 400NM trips. I have a pref for low-wing (trained in a Grumman) and would like something that is not a pig on fuel. What would you buy if you had $100K to spend?

Thanks in advance,
Larry.

[Zeke]

Low wing planes to carry 4 people with baggage for 400nm for $100K. I went through the same decisions and basically narrowed it down to 2 planes.

Piper Arrow III (not the IV with the T-tail). Holds 72 Gallons fuel, will lift 4 adults (as long as they are not too large) and will cruise at 140kts on 10 gph. 200hsp engine. You can find these planes for $50K and upgrade the avionics as you prefer or find one with GPS & Autopilot for $100K.

The other plane (the one I actually bought) is a Socata TB-20 (Trinidad). 250hsp engine, 160kts on 15gph. Hold 88 gallons of fuel. The GT models (Generation Two) carry 570lbs with full tanks. The tanks have tabs marked at 33 gallons and 28 gallons. The Pre-GT models (which would be close to your price range) do not have the composite top and my understanding is you give up a little head room (no big deal unless you are 6 feet or taller) but gain an extra 100 pounds in load carrying.

Hope this helps.

[sternone]

4 up with bags ? You need a 6 seater.. at least

[rowekmr]

I wanted to chime in on my experience, I had an Arrow IV that I bought because I noticed the IV's were cheaper because of the hype about the "dreaded" T tail. After reading articles in AOPA and Consumer's Aviation and reports from actual owners I found out more subjective information and purchased one 3 years ago with Garmin 430, engine analyzer, coupled autopilot, nice P&I and a few extras for 70K when the market was strong. It actually flew smoother and easier than the 172's I spent all my training on. I flew it for 2 years and sold it and recouped pretty much all of my money (69K)when the market was soft and had no problems with it.

My useful load was 961# I had the 72 gallon tanks with tabs also at 50 gallons. I would agree with the above poster that you might want to consider a 6 seater or a heavier hauling 4 seater. Have you considered the older Bonanzas or Debonairs? They have more hp, fly faster and can haul in the 1000-1100# range (for the 4 seaters). The 6 seaters can definitely fit your bill but they cost considerably more although one not too long ago went for 80K on Ebay with GPS, MFD and autopilot but those bargains are rare.

[Sea180]

My opinion on planes is similar to that of tents. If you want to seat or sleep 4 with gear you need as stated previously a six seater or 6 person tent. With that in mind you could be looking at a PA-32 and go to the 300 series or the
C206. You can buy either for around a 100K or just above or less depending on #'s. The Cherokee will be less than the 206 and is actually a comfortable ride on an airport to airport basis. If you are going to work it at all on gravel or anything shorter than "standard" go to the Cessna especially at any altitude. As for the 4 seater low wings I have no experience so will not comment but the C182 does work well and are becoming very attractively priced but I'm not sure I would consider it a true 4 place with gear. Unless of course 3/4 pax are 100 pounders or less because it does have the seats and space. The numbers would be tight with fuel for 400nm. Have fun shopping. This is a great time to be buying. Check out Craigs List for Alaska as well the other standards. TAP & Barnstormers.

[SkykingC310]

Have you considered a light twin? You can find a pretty nice Cessna 310 in your price range and it will easily carry the loads you desire and make the distance you require at more than 200mph. Of course I'm bias

[T210DRVR]

Originally Posted by lcn

Hello all. I am looking to buy my first plane and am looking for advice. I need a plane that will haul 4 people with baggage and will be doing a lot of 400NM trips. I have a pref for low-wing (trained in a Grumman) and would like something that is not a pig on fuel. What would you buy if you had $100K to spend?

Thanks in advance,
Larry.

I know you said low wing, but the Cessna 182 is a true four place aircraft. In todays market, an older but nicely upgraded one can be found for 60-65K.

Some of the advantages:

1. Almost anyone can get insured in one at a reasonable cost
2. Easy to fly and is a pretty good short field performer
3. Large wing and CG envelope. Nearly impossible to get out of CG and difficult to overload.
4. Mechanics are familiar with the aircraft and maintenance costs tend to be fairly low.

Disadvantages:

Fuel burn is somewhat high, but that power is needed for any aircraft to haul the kind of load you are looking for.

A nice option is the extended baggage compartment. In early models it allows 180 lbs of total baggage and two sets of golf clubs can easily fit. VG's are another nice option for improved slow speed handling. I can easily fly final at 65 MPH (57 KTS). This is a great safety feature. Stall speed in the landing configuration with VG's at mid-weights is about 44 KTS.

Frankly, unless you are flying at high density altitudes, if you can close the doors the Skylane will haul it at about 135 Kts.