Jay Honeck wrote:



Personally, I'd stay away from that particular model.

It's common to think that the Turbo Dakota used a turbo-charged version of
the six-cylinder O-540 that is standard in all other PA28-235/236s.
Unfortunately, Piper opted to use the Continental TSIO-360 -- a
four-cylinder engine -- and it has been much maligned as being an engine
that is "pushed too hard" and thus doesn't last long.
/snip/

Well, Jay,

For one thing, the TCM IO/TSIO-360 is a *six* cylinder powerplant, that
puts out the same 200 horses that Lycoming's *four* cylinder IO-360
does. So, no, "overworking" is not an issue. Secondly, although the
turbo's original iteration included a fixed wastegate and no
intercooler, subsequent mods have made these improvements available,
with the benefit of much better durability.

I believe the Turbo Dakota would be a *very* viable choice, given the
OP's stated requirements, especially in regards to density altitude of
the airports he plans to operate out of.

Happy Flying!
Scott Skylane
N92054