Buy the plane first. First the instrument rating will save you 10%-20$
on your insurance. Second the rating will make you more intimate with
your new plane. Third, you will probably find out a lot of little
issues after you buy your plane. The training env is the perfect time
to find problems.

-Robert


"Matt" wrote in message . com...
Hi everyone. I have about 100 hours in 150's and 172's. I am thinking
about getting an instrument rating and buying my own plane within the next
few years. Should I go for the instrument rating first? I was thinking
this might help me build some more time, and the instrument rating would be
looked upon favorably by insurance companies when the time comes to buy.
Or, should I just buy the plane and fly it to get the instrument rating? I
am considering a 172.

Thanks for all advice!

Matt