1969 Cessna for $14k or 2008 Cessna for $100k?

Question

Assuming both are in perfect maintenance shape... what is the best one to get?

Answer 1

Go for the 69, unless you plan on a lot of IFR, where some 69's had an a panel config different than the standard 6, although we routinely flew pretty hard IFR with them. Along that line of thought concerns the avionics. The old gear is quite serviceable and built like a tank, the new equipment is a maintenance headache and then some. Also, I think the 69 used spring steel gear, rather than the tubular versions common today. In other words, if, and its a big if they are in identical condition, the 69 is a far better airplane, even if the prices were the same, outside of the avionics issues.

Also, remember the 69 has had nearly 40 years to get all the AD's worked out, the 2008 is a big of a big in a poke.