I forget which year is which, but I would bet that $10 per hour is not far
off the mark. The thing is that the first 100 hours cost nothing (they
provide evidence the engine is good, which is worth $1000) and the last
couple hundred are worth nothing (given the chances of it breaking down, and
not really knowing the way its been treated).

Your rebuild/replacement options run from 15k on the low end, to 28k on the
high end, with most folks getting it done for about 18 to 20k after they put
in some other "while your at its".

Also, you might want more wing loading if IFR in your area means turbulence
and not just obscuration.


"Jerry Napoliano" wrote in message
...

Thanks for the comments. I will be using it IFR, and for traveling.
Long trips might only be once or twice a year, no more. Speed is
nice, I agree, but comes at a price that I'm just not able to justify
at this point.

I'd like to hear more about why you think I should pass on this one.
Its not the first I've looked at, and I've been doing a lot of
research over the last 6 months. From an avionics standpoint, its
fine - I'd just like to have an on-board GPS. From an
airframe/interior/exterior perspective, its excellent. For a 172 its
very clean inside and out.

What really effects my decision is how a 1700SMOH engine impacts the
price of the aircraft?

On Tue, 22 Jun 2004 13:33:19 GMT, "Maule Driver"
wrote:

If this is the first or 2nd a/c you've looked at seriously - don't buy it
(shields up). It's easy to fall for the first a/c you see. There is a
buyer's education process that will happen if you take a little time and
survey the market a bit. Yes, you may pass on a great deal but more
likely,
you'll kick some tires, learn a great deal, and then hopefully trip over
one
of those deals that really is good.... or at least right for you.