By the way, the plane we bought had a low to mid time engine, 700hrs on
a 2000hr TBO, Lycoming IO-360. It still needed an overhaul, and not
just because of the damage done by the prop strike.

The term "buyer beware" has incredible significance in this market.
Keeping an airplane in good shape is expensive, and not everyone does
more than they absolutely have to. Don't buy the cheapest plane you
find, don't believe ANYTHING the seller/broker/whoever says without
written proof, and don't go it alone---find a knowledgeable friend who
has been there to walk through it with you. You need someone on your
side. If you don't have a friend like this, go make one!

Lastly, don't believe anything you read on the Internet. Read Ron
Wanttaja's book about airplane ownership, it will put you on the right road.

Elwood