Bonanza (old) or Piper Comanche for low-time pilot

[Pepper]

Just logged 130 hrs, got my complex rating, and want to buy a good performing single that is not in the high performance category. In the price range I'm looking at, the Piper 180 R & RB Arrow seems to offer the best performance with one large exception--the older Bonanzas. (Older Mooneys are great, but I'm 6' and 190 lbs.) The Bonanza 35, 35A, and 35B are all under 200 h.p., and advertise some impressive performance stats. Here are my questions:

1) Is an older Bonanza 35 an appropriate aircraft for a low-time pilot who trained in Cessnas?
2) Aside from the AD on the V-tail and the fact that every aircraft is unique, are there known problems with the Bonanzas that should scare off a first-time owner?
3) I believe I read that the Piper has a Lycoming engine, and I assume the TBO is 2400 hrs., does anyone know what's in an older Bonanza?
4) Any good advice for a low-time pilot with about $60,000 to spend, wants to cruise as close as possible to 140 kts (or faster), but doesn't want to pay insurance on a high performance aircraft?

[n4ym]

I also am 6', 190, and I felt very comfortable in the front and back seats of a Mooney M20F (longer cabin than C, E models). If you haven't been in one, find one to sit in.

1) My understanding is the pre '57 (straight 35 through G35) Bonanzas are best avoided by the average pilot (no A&P in your inner circle) due to their age, engine, (and for me their 'shotgun' panel). The likelihood of a positive ownership experience is inversely related to the age, though Beech aircraft do age better than others.

2) Pay good money for a good pre-buy. I paid above average price for a cherokee 140 with avg interior and paint several years ago because I wanted it clean on the inside . As a result, I have had no surprise annuals and very predictable maintenance. In looking for my next plane, I'm trying to choose a year/model where I can afford a specimen in above-average condition. It is very tempting to buy that older, high-time runout bonanza, but resist!

3) The Lycoming O320s and (I)0360s in the Mooneys, Arrows, Cherokees, etc typically make their 2000 TBO. I believe the Continental E-185/E-225 in the 35-G35 has a 1200 hour TBO.

4) I got a quote last year of $1800 for 1m/100k on a $70k M20F with about 250PIC and IFR. Needed 15hrs dual in type (no complex time for me). Agent said to expect 10-15% reduction after first year. $60k puts you in the early 70s for an above average M20C,E,F.

I may sound like a Mooney zealot (I'm not) but it comes down to speed/efficiency/quality product with the Mooneys vs the pilot/mechanic familiarity with the Arrow. I

[Pepper]

Thanks for the advice. In fact, I have only flown in a Mooney C. It's a great performer, and I actually liked the guaranteed operation of the gear lever, although I don't know if the F's are hand operated, but I had to offset my seat to keep my shoulder from bumping the pilot's. I'll take a second look at an M20F.

I've heard bad rumors about fuel bladders in Mooneys. Is it true, and if it is does it apply to the M20F?

Thanks again.

[n4ym]

Some F models do have the manual gear. Though the F fuselage is longer, I don't think it is any wider at the shoulders. The answer to the fuel bladder problem is to find one that has recently been resealed (by a reputable shop -- do check) and keep the tanks full ass often as possible.

Take a look at some of these Flight Test Reports for various Mooney models: http://www.mooneypilots.com/flight_test_reports.html

[Pepper]

Funny thing--a couple of days after reading your post, I was surprised by a small airport open house at my local field. Among the dozen or so planes on display was a M20C with a display board of all the places the pilot had been. The pilot is a flying physician and he had flown his plane (over the course of 10 years) as far North as Point Barrow, Alaska; South to Hermisillo, Mexico; and East to the Bahamas. He seemed like a nice guy so I asked him if my wife and I could sit in his plane and try it on for size. We ended up talking to him for almost an hour, and he did a far better sales job on my wife than I ever could! She's only 118 lbs. and we fit in the plane with room to spare. When she heard she could easily carry 100lbs. of luggage and crusie at better than 150 m.p.h., and that the plane she was sitting in was $20 to $30K less than the other planes I was looking at, she was ready to head off to Mexico

So now I'm looking at Mooneys, and I'm debating whether or not the extra cost of the F is worth it to me. From what I can tell, the C is less than 10 kts. slower than the 200 h.p. F. Not sure I want to pay the extra $10 to $15K to give my friends more leg room.

Anyway, wouldn't have even looked if you hadn't posted. Thanks.