Cessna 172 vs. Mooney vs. ?

A bit off topic. I'm also a newbie and I'm thinking about buying a plane as
well. My dilemma is that I just can't bring myself to buying an older plane
'cuz I just get jittery about safety issues. I'd rather get a fractional
share in a newer machine than full-time privileges (which I might not use)
in an older plane.

I, too, am training in Cessna 172s - and newer ones at that - but I recently
had a demo ride in an older Piper Warrior and let me tell you that the Piper
was oh so tasty smooth, responsive and panoramic (damn the single starboard
door). For me, piloting a Cessna seems like I'm driving a Chevy Vega -- if
you're old enough to appreciate the comparison.

Bottom line is that I'd rather purchase a share in a newer Piper, Tiger or
(gulp$) Mooney than slug along in an older Cessna. My 2 cents.



"pjbphd" wrote in message
news:CATWc.132424$sh.9312@fed1read06...
I'm in the process of taking lessons for my Private Pilot Certificate.
I'll
be eventually using my certificate to commute from Tucson to Flagstaff and
will purchase a plane. My training is in a Cessna 172.



Although I'm a way off, I'm beginning to consider planes for my commute.
I'
ll be flying from around 3500 ft up to 7000 ft. I was given a good
suggestion that I fly into Sedona which is about 1500 ft. Lower than
Flagstaff. I may also do some recreational trips to the Reno-Tahoe area.
The bottom line is I need a plane that can handle mountains.



My budget is $40K - $50K. Looking at www.aso.com I see that puts me in
the
late 70s to early 80s Cessna 172. Alternatively I could go with a 1960
era
Mooney M20. I'm sure there are options with Cherokees as well. I'd like
to
stay away from kits and experimentals, at least until I get more
experience.



Soooo. what's the deal? Go with a later model 172 or the earlier Mooney?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? What other airplanes I
should consider?



Thanks in advance



pjbphd




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