"Tom Hyslip" writes:

I am looking to purchase my first plane, and would like an early 80s
Cessna 152. How much should I consider the fair market price for
one in descent shape, that is ready to fly? Also, any idea how much
insurance would be for a C152. I only have around 50 hours, a very
new pilot, and I love it.

The 152 is a great plane, from everything I've heard, but it's worth
considering other options to make sure that you get what you want.
Here are some considerations:

1. There are some four-seat planes, like the Piper Cherokee 140 and
Beech Musketeer, that are in about the same price range as a 152
(both for buying and flying), but go faster and carry more.

2. Buying a used plane is often the cheapest part of ownership --
insurance, maintenance, fuel, parking, etc. will burn through a
fair bit of money every year. If you are looking at a 152 because
money is tight, you might want to get your feet wet with a
partnership first, where you can share some fixed expenses.

I started out looking for a Cessna 172 or similar, because that's what
I trained it. I initially ruled out Cherokees right at the start
because they have only a single door, and because I didn't know much
about them. Fortunately, after trying out a Cardinal that I didn't
like much, I happened to notice a Piper Cherokee Warrior II for sale,
and looking at it in person got rid of most of my prejudices --
compared to the (fixed-gear) Cardinal I had just test flown, it had
better avionics, better paint and interior, a higher useful load,
faster airspeed, lower fuel burn, *and* a significantly lower price
(precisely because everyone who trains in Cessnas wants to buy a
Cessna, driving up the used prices).

Now, with under 8 gph fuel burn at 75% power (8.5 gph by the POH) and
roughly the same systems to maintain, the plane doesn't cost much more
to operate than a 150/152, but it cruises much faster (well over 120
ktas) and with a full-fuel useful load around 650 lb, it can carry my
whole family of four + luggage + dog.

I'm not suggesting that a Cherokee is the right first plane for you
just because it was for me, but I am suggesting that you not
automatically buy the kind of plane you trained in. It's a big
investment, so look around a while and make sure. Personally, I'm
glad that I overcame my own initial prejudices against non-Cessnas.


All the best,


David