All you need to turn that VFR Cherokee 140 into an IFR plane is a $200
Pitot/Static and transponder check.
You'll be limited to the type of approaches depending on the equipment but
you can absolutely start training for your Instrument. I purchased a 1978
Warrior before I finished my private and subsequently got my instrument
rating.

Marco

"xyzzy" wrote in message
...
Jay Honeck wrote:

I'd like to hear people's thoughts on having the hypothetical choice of
getting an IFR rating while continuing to rent, versus buying and
committing to being VFR-only for the forseeable future. I'm in North
Carolina, where the weather is VFR reasonably often but not so often
that it's a no-brainer like it would be in AZ or FL or some such place.


Why limit your choices?

Cost. For example, you can get some pretty cherry VFR-only Cherokee
140's in the 20's. To get an IFR 140 in the same condition you're
looking at high 30's. At least that's what I've concluded from my
research.

My cost point may be lower than you would expect simply because my club
is such a good deal the cost has to be pretty low to justify owning IMO.