What is an inexpensive airplane to buy? Can I get one for $25-30K?

Question

Cessna, Piper? How old? How much?

Answer 1

you would be better off looking at ultralight planes or at the sport planes.  check out http://www.freedomfield.com if you are unfamiliar with ultralights.

Answer 2

If you can find one.. get an Aero Commander Lark 180, its like a heavy 172 but it flys great.  It can take a little more weight and is realy tough, it can really take a rough landing, its actualy built for it.  Also it would be great for grass and dirt landing strips.  It should be in your price range too, depending on the condition and age.  Its deffinetley a great plane and its not just the same thing that everyone else has so get one (like i said, if you can find one)

Answer 3

as a general rule, in your price range, there isn't any.

sure people will say if you shop around, if you buy an old one, if you know how to haggle etc.

but thats all BS.

if its old, it is likely to present problems like airframe stress, engine problems, transponder upgrade etc. in the near future, thus costing you way more than 35k. (and i'll bet its missing some maintenance logs)

if its okay new, but they're selling it cheap, maybe its gone through accidents, or is not legal or some other serious problem. (again, ask for all the documentation)

if its new, well, you won't find one for 35k, or you will but it will be an old design, flawed or low performance, unpopular and impossible to find parts for.

so sorry to burst your bubble mate, best keep saving up and come back on YA in a few years asking this :

what is an inexpensive airplane to buy? Can I get one for 250k to 1 million?

(gotta factor in inflation and fuel costs or that new high tech hybrid engine....)

Answer 4

There are plenty of options, from Piper Colts, Pacers, Tri-Pacers, Cherokee 140's to Cessna 140's, 150/152's, 170's and 175's even.  You can get a single seat Pitts in this price range easily as well as a huge variety of homebuilt or experimental aircraft.  Most are obviously older aircraft but many are in great condition.

Check out barnstormers.com and have fun!

Answer 5

From 25-30k you most likely will not find anything. Even if you do, I suggest you check the aircraft thoroughly, for any damages. Even the slightest problems could lead to major disaster. Also check any legal issues with the airplane.  

If you want to get a good and well known aircraft, I suggest you raise your budget to 55k or above. For this price range, you would get a well maintained 1970's monoplane. I still suggest you look for any damages as the aircrafts are old.

Good luck finding your aircraft!

Answer 6

Junk. and I do not mean Junkers.

Answer 7

late 70's cessna 152 falls into that range.  If you have any size don't plan on taking anyone else up with you.  Check www.controller.com

Answer 8

My neighbor bought a C150 for like 20K and then put another 5K into avionics and he's still alive

    check controller.com